Russia has advanced legislation allowing individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities. The bill, recently approved in its first reading by the State Duma, proposes a self-exclusion system accessible through the state services portal, enabling citizens to ban themselves from placing bets at casinos and bookmakers.
According to Sergey Altukhov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, gambling operators will be required to verify whether every player—either entering a casino or attempting to place a bet online—is listed in the self-exclusion register. Although a compromise version of the bill passed in the first reading, lawmakers are already drafting amendments to strengthen its effectiveness.
This initiative reflects a growing global trend toward responsible gambling measures. Similar self-exclusion programs exist in countries like the United Kingdom, where the GAMSTOP scheme allows individuals to restrict their online gambling activities. Russia's proposed system aims to align with such international standards.
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The legislation also includes provisions to intensify enforcement against illegal online gambling platforms. Authorities are preparing to block access to unauthorized sites and restrict transactions—especially those involving cryptocurrency, often used to bypass regulation.
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As the bill advances, Russia’s gambling framework is drawing renewed attention. The combination of personal responsibility through self-exclusion and regulatory crackdowns on rogue operators marks a new chapter in the country’s approach to gambling oversight. Lawmakers and public health officials alike will be watching closely to see whether this law delivers real progress in combatting gambling addiction and promoting safer play.
