Russian Lawmakers Plan to Force Bookmakers to Pay ‘Gambling Addiction Rehabilitation Tax’
Summary
Russian lawmakers are considering a new tax on the country’s legal bookmakers to finance the treatment of gambling addiction. Artem Metelev, Chairman of the State Duma’s Youth Policy Committee, stated the proposal aims to use a percentage of bookmakers’ income for gambling addiction prevention campaigns. If passed, the law will also increase penalties for illegal online gambling promotions.
Key Points
- Bookmakers may be required to contribute a percentage of their income to a fund for gambling addiction treatment.
- The Unified Gambling Regulator (ERAI) would oversee the collection of this tax.
- Funds will be allocated for anti-gambling advertisements and developing treatment methods.
- Proposals include harsher penalties, raising fines for illegal gambling promotion from 2,000 to 7 million rubles.
- Approximately 3 million people in Russia suffer from gambling addiction, highlighting the urgency for preventive measures.
Why should I read this?
If you have any interest in gambling regulations or public health initiatives, this is a must-read! It spotlights how lawmakers are grappling with the significant issue of gambling addiction in Russia and how they plan to tackle it through these proposed taxes. Understanding this could give you great insights into the future of gambling and public health discussions.