Russian Lawmakers Plan to Force Bookmakers to Pay ‘Gambling Addiction Rehabilitation Tax’
Summary
Russian lawmakers are pushing a new tax targeting legal bookmakers to help fund treatment for gambling addiction. The proposed bill seeks a portion of the bookmakers’ income to support prevention efforts and rehabilitation. If passed, the Unified Gambling Regulator (ERAI) will oversee tax collection, directing funds to anti-gambling advertisements and healthcare professional training.
Key Points
- The proposed ‘Gambling Addiction Rehabilitation Tax’ would extract a percentage of income from bookmakers.
- Funds will be allocated to anti-gambling campaigns and the development of treatment methods.
- Legal penalties for illegal online gambling operators may increase significantly, with fines rising from 2,000 rubles to up to 7 million rubles.
- About 3 million Russians reportedly suffer from gambling addiction, with increasing concerns about the youth demographic.
- The bill aims to create a coordinated effort between healthcare and gambling sectors to combat addiction.
Why should I read this?
If you’re in the gaming or regulatory space, this article outlines significant legislative moves that could reshape the gambling landscape in Russia. Keeping up with these developments is crucial for understanding broader industry trends and how they might affect gaming operations globally.