Russia is now one step closer to establishing a national self-exclusion system for gambling. The lower house of the parliament has approved a bill aimed at strengthening responsible gambling measures. The draft legislation proposes a centralised database, allowing individuals to voluntarily self-exclude from gambling activities for a minimum of 12 months, without the option to revoke the decision once it’s implemented.
Russia Proposes Gambling Self-Exclusion Database: A Quick Summary
- The lower house of the Russian parliament has passed a bill, paving the way for a national gambling self-exclusion system. If approved by the upper house and the president, the bill could be enacted into law as early as September 2026.
- Any citizen can sign up on the registry for a minimum of 12 months. Gambling companies, bookmakers, casinos, and slot venues will be barred from accepting transactions and sending promotional content to people on the database.
- To sign up for the self-exclusion, an individual can send an application, along with personal identification and bank account details, to the gambling regulator via the State Service Portal or visit a government office, such as a Multifunctional Centre.
Restrictions on Gambling Transactions and Promotional Communication
The lower house of the Russian parliament has approved a draft bill aimed at establishing a national self-exclusion system for gambling from September 1, 2026. The legislation is now awaiting clearances from the upper house of the parliament and the president to be enacted into law.
Under the proposed law, any citizen can add their name to the self-exclusion registry. Once added, the individual cannot revoke their name from the list for a minimum period of 12 months. Gambling operators, casinos, slot machine parlours, sportsbooks, and other betting venues cannot accept transactions from excluded individuals or send promotional communication.
The program is part of a broader government initiative aimed at protecting Russian consumers from gambling harm, ensuring transparency, and fostering accountability among operators. To sign up for the self-exclusion registry, an individual can apply along with their personal identification and bank account details via Gosuslugi, the State Service portal or a government office, such as a Multifunctional Centre.
During a press conference, Maxim Topilin, the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, explained that the new policy is essential for protecting consumers from the side effects of gambling, including addiction and financial loss. He explained that the draft legislation proposes to empower consumers to manage their gambling habits.
Topilin said:
The adoption of this bill is important both for people suffering from gambling addiction and for their loved ones. It will help reduce the risk of addiction by empowering people to take control of their gambling habits.
Industry Support Amid Evolving Market Dynamics
Russia is no stranger to self-exclusion systems. In May 2025, officials introduced a self-exclusion portal for loans. Over 20 million people have already added their names to the list. Stakeholders in Russia’s regulated gambling industry have welcomed the establishment of the national database.
The Association of Operators of the Entertainment Industry and Sports and Entertainment Events, a prominent trade group, participated in the drafting of the bill. While Russian consumers can voluntarily self-exclude from individual gambling premises, the draft bill proposes to establish a central database for quick implementation and improved oversight.
Gambling self-exclusion systems are a crucial cog in regulated markets. Several European nations, including Romania, are working to establish a self-exclusion database for gambling. In Russia, sports betting operates under a regulated framework, while online casino games are prohibited.
Licensed gambling operators can offer their services within five designated jurisdictions: Yantarnaya (Kaliningrad Oblast), Krasnaya Polyana (Sochi, Krasnodar Krai), Primorye (near Vladivostok), Siberian Coin (Altai Krai) and Crimea (Crimean Peninsula). Bookmakers must meet capital requirements and process transactions through the Centre for Interactive Bets. The Sports and Finance Ministries jointly oversee the operation of lotteries.
Gambling operators will face financial penalties if they fail to comply with the new regulations. Accepting wagers from consumers on the self-exclusion portal will carry fines ranging from RUB 50,000 (approximately €538) to RUB 100,000 (nearly €1,075). Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained a strong opposition to gambling. He established the Russian Civic Chamber, a civil society that has been charged with leading player protection initiatives.