Russia is advancing legislation to introduce a nationwide self-exclusion program for individuals wishing to abstain from gambling.
The lower house of parliament passed the bill, with the mechanism expected to become available on 1 September 2026, pending approval from the upper house and the president.
Citizens will be able to register for self-exclusion through a centralized portal. The period must last at least 12 months and cannot be revoked.
Once enrolled, gambling companies, including bookmakers, casinos, and slot machine parlours, will be prohibited from accepting transactions or sending marketing materials to the individual.
“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,” said Maxim Topilin, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy.
Applicants must submit personal identification and bank account details through the State Services portal, Gosuslugi, or in-person at government offices such as Multifunctional Centres.
Russia already has a self-exclusion system for loans, with over 20 million citizens signed up since May 2025.
The gambling industry has largely supported the legislation. The Association of Operators of the Entertainment and Sports and Entertainment Industry trade group contributed to drafting the bill.
Currently, voluntary self-exclusion is possible on an operator-by-operator basis.
Online and retail sports betting are legal in Russia, but online casino games remain prohibited. Casino gambling is restricted to five designated zones: Krasnaya Polyana, Siberian Coin, Primorye, Yantarnaya, and Crimea.
In 2024, Russia’s legal gambling turnover reached 4.7 trillion roubles ($59 billion).
Brazil recently implemented a national self-exclusion program, effective 10 December, requiring coordinated player management across all operators.
