Russian Gov’t to Fine Casinos That Accept Bets From Gambling Self-Prohibition Opt-ins

Moscow has backed a proposal to fine legal casinos and bookmakers if they accept bets from Russian citizens who place themselves on an opt-in “self-prohibition” blacklist.

The Russian media outlet Deita reported that Moscow wants to ensure the Criminal Code backs its new blacklist. The blacklist rolled out earlier this year.

The program was added to the Gosuslugi (Public Services) portal earlier this year. It allows individuals with gambling problems to effectively block themselves from placing bets in the future.

Bookmakers and casinos must check to see if a visitor’s name appears on the blacklist before allowing them to enter or place a bet.

However, the new proposal would effectively criminalize non-compliance, introducing a system of fines and other punitive actions.

Moscow now wants to amend the Code of Administrative Offenses to reflect its decision. The government wants to add clauses for both companies and individual employees.

Gambling Self-Prohibition Platform: Moscow’s ‘Self-Treatment’ Tool

Casino and bookmaker employees will face fines of up to 30,000 rubles ($360) for violating these rules. Their employers will also be subject to fines of up to 100,000 rubles ($1,200).

The proposals, if accepted in their current form, will also force legal gambling operators to add banners linking to the Gosuslugi portal on their websites.

Operators will also be obliged to inform all of their patrons about their government-approved “self-prohibition” options.

The Ministry of Health claims that “thousands of Russians” seek medical attention every year with gambling addiction-related issues.

For many, the ministry says, some popular treatment methods involve a “cold turkey” approach to gambling.

Fines for Bookmakers Who Take Money From Minors

Meanwhile, lawmakers in the State Duma are also set to debate a separate bill that would introduce criminal penalties for operators who accept bets from minors.

Coupled with the Gosuslugi “self-probation” platform, advocates claim, this bill would “create a comprehensive system of gambling addiction protection for the most vulnerable Russian citizens.”

The media outlet quoted Vladimir Gruzdev, the Chairman of the Board of the Association of Russian Lawyers, as stating that the proposals are being bundled together.

The two bills have already passed their first readings in the Duma. The bills will now head to parliamentary committees, which will review them ahead of second and third readings.

Earlier this year, lawmakers unveiled plans to force the country’s legal bookmakers to pay a new tax. The levy will help fund the treatment of people with gambling addictions, advocates explained.