Russia moves to fine casinos for serving self-excluded gamblers
Russia is planning to update its responsible gambling framework after lawmakers cleared new legislation that would fine gambling operators for accepting bets from players who have willingly placed themselves on the country’s self-prohibition register.
Reportedly, the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, passed the bill during a plenary session on 8 July. If it clears the remaining legislative process and receives President Vladimir Putin’s approval, the new rules are expected to come into force on 1 September 2026.
Under the proposed law, casinos, slot machine halls and online bookmakers will be required to verify whether customers are listed on the national self-exclusion register before accepting bets. Operators that fail to carry out these checks could face fines of up to $6,500, while responsible individuals may also be penalised.
Restrictions on marketing
The legislation also introduces restrictions on gambling-related marketing. Operators would be prohibited from sending promotional emails, messages or other advertising materials to people who have chosen to exclude themselves from gambling.
In addition, gambling companies will be required to submit information about blocked customers to Russia’s unified gambling regulator. Failing to provide those records could result in further administrative penalties.
Lawmakers say the measures are designed to strengthen player protection and reinforce trust in Russia’s regulated gambling market. They also form part of a broader push to tighten oversight of the gaming sector and crack down on illegal gambling operations.
Blocking of illegal websites
Earlier this year, the State Duma’s Committee on Economic Policy introduced proposals to speed up the blocking of illegal online casino websites. Under those reforms, authorities are seeking to reduce the time needed to block unauthorised gambling websites from five days to just two, making it harder for illegal operators to continue attracting Russian players.
Officials believe the current system is too slow, giving offshore gambling operators enough time to keep accepting Russian players even after they have been identified by regulators. The responsible gambling measures also come amid growing concerns over gambling addiction in Russia.
Lawmakers estimate that around 12 per cent of Russian adults show signs of problem gambling, while many reportedly spend more than one-fifth of their monthly income on betting activities. Despite those figures, only a small proportion of people affected by gambling addiction currently seek professional treatment.
To address the issue, Russian authorities are preparing new gambling addiction guidelines for psychological and psychiatric clinics, with the updated framework expected later this year.
Additional reforms likely
At the same time, lawmakers are considering additional reforms to expand the self-exclusion system. One proposal would allow close family members, including spouses and children, to request gambling restrictions on behalf of relatives who may be struggling with addiction.
Supporters of the idea argue that many problem gamblers fail to recognise the severity of their behaviour until financial and personal problems have already escalated.
Rather than targeting only illegal operators, Russian authorities are also placing greater responsibility on licenced gambling companies. Operators are now expected to identify self-excluded players, enforce responsible gambling measures, and strengthen customer safeguards, or risk financial penalties for noncompliance.
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