Russian Lawmakers Plan to Force Bookmakers to Pay ‘Gambling Addiction Rehabilitation Tax’
Summary
Russian lawmakers are proposing a new tax that would make legal bookmakers contribute to the rehabilitation of gamblers suffering from addiction. The plan, spearheaded by Artem Metelev, Chairman of the State Duma’s Youth Policy Committee, is expected to be debated before the end of 2025.
Under the proposal, a portion of bookmakers’ earnings would fund preventative efforts against gambling addiction, including advertising campaigns and the training of healthcare professionals. Additional measures would see increased penalties for illegal gambling promotions, with fines potentially soaring to 7 million rubles.
Key Points
- A proposed tax on bookmakers aims to fund gambling addiction rehabilitation initiatives.
- The ERAI (Unified Gambling Regulator) would oversee the collection of this tax.
- Funds raised would support anti-gambling campaigns and treatment development.
- Stricter penalties are proposed for illegal online gambling promotions.
- Lawmakers are addressing an increasing gambling addiction issue, reportedly affecting about 3 million Russians.
Why should I read this?
If you’re interested in the intersection of regulation and social responsibility in gambling, this article is a must-read. It’s a potentially significant change for the industry and reflects growing concerns about gambling addiction in Russia. Understanding these developments could offer insight into the future landscape of gambling regulation.