Russian Lawmakers Plan to Force Bookmakers to Pay ‘Gambling Addiction Rehabilitation Tax’
Summary
Russian lawmakers are proposing a new tax that would require legal bookmakers to contribute to the funding of gambling addiction treatment. Artem Metelev, Chairman of the State Duma’s Youth Policy Committee, stated that the bill will be debated before the end of 2025.
If implemented, the Unified Gambling Regulator would be responsible for collecting the tax. The revenue is intended for anti-gambling advertising on social media, developing gambling treatments, and training healthcare professionals.
Key Points
- Lawmakers aim to tax bookmakers to fund gambling addiction rehabilitation efforts.
- Mandatory fundraising for prevention campaigns and healthcare training for addiction treatment.
- Proposed penalties for illegal casino promotions to be significantly increased.
- Approximately 3 million Russians reportedly suffer from gambling addiction-related issues.
- Additional regulatory measures against illegal online gambling operations are in progress.
Why should I read this?
This proposal could significantly alter the landscape of gambling regulation in Russia and affect how bookmakers operate. If you’re interested in the intersection of gambling policy and health issues, this news is crucial for understanding upcoming changes that could have wide-reaching implications.