On September 1, new gambling regulations will take effect in Russia, following the approval of a bill by President Vladimir Putin. This legislation mandates that gambling establishments block individuals listed on a central self-exclusion registry from placing bets. The State Duma passed this bill earlier in the month, which was subsequently endorsed by the Federation Council, the upper chamber of Russia's parliament.
Under these new rules, courts and regulatory bodies will be authorized to impose fines on casinos, slot machine parlors, and bookmakers that fail to identify problem gamblers among their patrons. The approval comes amid concerns regarding rising rates of gambling addiction in the country. Reports indicate that Russian casinos experienced a 7% increase in visitor numbers in the first half of the year, which raises alarm about the potential rise in gambling-related issues.
According to government data, as many as 13 million adults in Russia, approximately 12% of the population, may struggle with gambling addiction. In response to these concerns, the government is adopting a two-pronged strategy to combat gambling addiction, which includes enhancements to its Federal State Information System (Gosuslugi) and the introduction of new resources for medical professionals treating gambling issues. Both initiatives are scheduled to launch in September.
The updated Gosuslugi platform will allow individuals to voluntarily add their names to the self-exclusion registry. Gambling operators will be required to verify customers' identification against this registry before permitting entry or accepting wagers. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to $640 for staff members who let barred patrons in. Companies face much steeper penalties, potentially up to $6,400 for each infraction.
These regulations apply to both physical establishments and online gambling operators. Although internet casinos are illegal in Russia, sports betting websites can operate with the right government permits. Courts will also have the authority to penalize operators whose sites lack clear information regarding the self-exclusion registry or do not include easily accessible links to the appropriate sections of the Gosuslugi portal. Additionally, brick-and-mortar venues must display notices informing customers of their right to join the self-exclusion registry.
In another aspect of tackling betting addiction, the Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Addiction in Moscow is collaborating with the Russian Society of Psychiatrists to draft standardized guidelines for treating pathological gambling. These guidelines are expected to be released in the near future.
Experts have expressed concern that increasing smartphone usage among children is contributing to a surge in gambling addiction among youth. In response to the growing demand for gambling facilities, several Russian casinos are expanding. The Shambala Casino in Sochi is set to finish a significant expansion project this fall, including the addition of two new hotels with 315 rooms, a spa, a nightclub, a sports arena, and a convention hall. Plans for further expansion at their Kaliningrad casino have also been announced.
