Russian Lawmakers Plan to Force Bookmakers to Pay ‘Gambling Addiction Rehabilitation Tax’
Summary
Russian lawmakers are proposing a tax aimed at funding the treatment for gambling addiction. Chairman of the State Duma’s Youth Policy Committee, Artem Metelev, announced that the bill could be debated by the end of 2025, which would require bookmakers to contribute a percentage of their income to prevent gambling addiction.
The tax collections would help finance advertising campaigns against gambling addiction, development of new treatment methods, and training for healthcare professionals. The proposal also suggests harsher penalties for illegal online casino promotions.
Key Points
- The proposed tax is called the ‘Gambling Addiction Rehabilitation Tax’.
- Funds will be used for anti-gambling advertisements and treatments.
- The tax aims to regulate the gambling industry more strictly to support addiction prevention.
- Current fines for promoting illegal gambling could increase significantly.
- Statistics show approximately 3 million Russians are affected by gambling addiction.
Why should I read this?
If you follow developments in the gambling sector, this article highlights a significant shift in Russia’s approach to combating gambling addiction. The proposed measures could set a precedent for how lawmakers elsewhere might handle similar issues, making it essential reading for anyone interested in gambling regulation.