Russian Parliament Approves Self-Exclusion System to Roll Out Nationwide

The Russian State Duma has ratified landmark legislation establishing a nationwide self-exclusion registry for gambling, clearing its final parliamentary hurdles. Set to take effect on September 1, 2026, the law awaits presidential and upper house ratification. The framework enables citizens to voluntarily enroll in a centralized database administered by the country’s unified gambling regulator.

Once registered, individuals face a mandatory 12-month prohibition from all gambling activities, with no option for early withdrawal during this period. Removal requests may only be filled after the full term expires. Applicants must submit bank details to facilitate reimbursement of unsettled bets and unpaid winnings accrued before exclusion.

Strict Enforcement Measures for Operators

The legislation mandates comprehensive compliance requirements for licensed gambling operators. Retail bookmakers and betting outlets must block all transactions involving registered individuals, while casinos and gaming halls must refuse entry and prohibit token purchases or the use of funds by excluded players.

Operators are further banned from targeting self-excluded users with advertisements or promotions across all platforms, including legal online services. Violations trigger financial penalties under proposed amendments to administrative codes, with fines escalating based on the offender’s status.

As reported by local news, individual officials risk fines of 10,000-30,000 rubles for breaches, while corporate entities could incur penalties of 50,000-100,000 rubles for failing to verify gamblers’ registry status or improperly handling exclusion requests. The measures apply uniformly to digital and physical gambling operations.

Legislative Roots

The self-exclusion system was spearheaded by the State Duma’s Physical Culture and Sports Committee, passing its initial parliamentary vote in May 2025. Legislators position the registry as a preventive measure against compulsive gambling.

Economic Policy Committee Chair Maxim Topilin explained, “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.”

Citizens may enroll through the Gosuslugi portal or in person at Multifunctional Centers and must submit identification and financial account data. The model mirrors Russia’s exclusion system in the financial sector, which garnered over 20 million registrations within months of its May 2025 launch.

Industry Support

Russia’s gambling market operates within strict geographic and digital confines, with casino activities limited to five designated zones since 2009. While online casinos remain banned, regulated sports betting thrives through licensed operators mandated to route digital wagers through the state’s Center for Interactive Bets. Trade bodies endorsed the unified self-exclusion registry, having contributed to its design as an evolution of existing operator-level opt-out systems.