Russia is set to introduce its first unified clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gambling addiction. The initiative is being developed by the Serbsky Psychiatric and Addiction Research Center.
Local experts have stressed that doctors, psychologists and parents need clear criteria for diagnosing, guiding and treating individuals. They say unified clinical guidelines are necessary so doctors across the country can identify gambling addiction early and follow consistent treatment standards.
Therapist Pavel Smirnov explained in an interview with local media that clinical guidelines represent mandatory protocols for physicians to follow for the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of various diseases.
Smirnov stated: "Since January of last year, their use has become a mandatory standard of medical practice. However, there is still no specific document on gambling addiction in the healthcare system."
Russian Senator Airat Gibatdinov said the development of unified clinical guidelines is a step in the right direction. However, he emphasised that current systemic support mechanisms for people with gambling addiction remain insufficient.
He also argued that access to gambling requires stricter oversight, especially in the unlicensed sector. He recalled that a bill had previously been introduced in the State Duma imposing fines of up to RUB 3m ($42,300) on the organisers of illegal online casinos, which have no safeguards for players.
Russia has recently been paying increasing attention to issues related to gambling harm.
Starting 1 September 2026, individuals affected by gambling addiction in Russia will be able to receive comprehensive medical care free of charge from psychiatrists and addiction specialists. The Serbsky National Medical Research Centre clarified that all assistance will remain voluntary, meaning patients must provide consent before treatment begins.
In March, the Ministry of Finance issued a Draft Order requiring operators to display prominent gambling-risk warnings on websites and in advertising. Meanwhile, the State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly, approved in its first reading a bill that would ban bookmakers and totalizators from accepting bets made with credit cards.
Finally, Russia’s self-exclusion register is set to begin operating on 1 September 2026.
Finance Minister Anton Siluanov previously proposed lifting Russia’s ban on online casinos
