Anatoly Sakharov, Director of the Russian National Scientific Centre for Narcology, has proposed using part of gambling operators’ revenue to fund research into gambling addiction.
This would include developing new methods to help affected individuals. Furthermore, the proposal would also support treatment and rehabilitation for people affected by gambling addiction.
This comes as Russia is set to introduce the first unified clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gambling addiction.
The topic was discussed at the Federation Council roundtable, "State System for Protecting Citizens from Gambling Addiction: Prevention and Rehabilitation."
Alexander Trembitsky, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy, asked what measures could positively impact the fight against gambling addiction.
Sakharov responded with the above-outlined measures. He also praised the self-exclusion system as one of the existing mechanisms.
Meanwhile, Senator Vadim Dengin previously proposed adding a permanent option to the self-imposed gambling ban. Currently, the minimum restriction period is one year.
Self-exclusion applications can be submitted electronically via the Gosuslugi state services portal or at a Multifunctional Centre (MFC).
A multitude of responsible gambling measures have either been introduced or proposed recently in Russia.
In March, the Russian Ministry of Finance issued a Draft Order requiring gambling operators, both land-based and online, to display prominent warnings about gambling-related risks.
Over the summer, Russia’s systemic opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) proposed introducing criminal liability for adults who deliberately encourage or enable underage gambling.
Global Gaming Insider analysed how Russian authorities are increasingly recognising the complex and multifaceted nature of gambling addiction.
Russia is preparing new legislation targeting casino streamers and influencers who illegaly promote gambling
