Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law introducing fines for gambling operators that accept bets from players who have voluntarily self-excluded from gambling.
The legislation introduces penalties for both gambling businesses and company officials. Officials who breach the regulations face fines of between RUB 30,000 and RUB 50,000, while legal entities can be fined between RUB 300,000 and RUB 500,000.
The law forms part of Russia's wider responsible gambling reforms, with the country's self-exclusion scheme due to come into force on 1 September 2026.
The register will cover both online and land-based gambling. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Gosuslugi government portal.
Two key features of the new framework align with established international self-exclusion practices: a mandatory minimum exclusion period of 12 months and a ban on sending gambling advertising to self-excluded individuals.
Global Gaming Insider recently published an in-depth analysis of Russia's growing focus on responsible gambling, examining the wave of new regulations already introduced and the additional measures currently under development.
In addition to the self-exclusion scheme, Russia is set to introduce free gambling addiction treatment. The country's first unified clinical guidelines for gambling addiction care are also being developed.
Meanwhile, new advertising requirements have been introduced and the sports betting industry has adopted voluntary advertising standards aimed at strengthening transparency and promoting responsible gambling.
However, the bill banning debtors from placing bets was first introduced in 2024 but has yet to progress beyond its first reading. Its next reading is likely to be postponed until the autumn.
Russia’s systemic opposition Liberal Democratic Party recently proposed introducing criminal liability for adults who deliberately encourage or enable underage gambling
