New system set to launch in September 2026 amid growing concerns that tighter regulation could drive vulnerable players toward illicit operators
Russia’s parliament has taken a significant step toward strengthening safer gambling protections after lawmakers approved legislation mandating the creation of a national self-exclusion register for players. The law, passed by State Duma deputies in its second and third readings, is scheduled to come into force on 1 September 2026 and will introduce a centralised mechanism allowing individuals to voluntarily block themselves from gambling activities.
Under the new framework, Russian citizens will be able to submit an application to the Unified Gambling Regulator (ERAI) requesting to be placed on a self-exclusion register. Once enrolled, individuals will be barred from participating in all regulated gambling activities across the country. Licensed operators will be legally required to deny bets from registered individuals, refrain from sending them any form of gambling-related advertising, and ensure that land-based gambling venues prevent their entry.
The legislation introduces strict rules governing the duration and reversal of self-exclusion. Players will not be able to cancel their application once it has been submitted. Removal from the register will only occur after the chosen exclusion period has fully expired. While individuals may apply for early removal, this option is only available one year after being added to the register, reinforcing the policy’s emphasis on long-term consumer protection rather than impulsive decision-making.
The move aligns Russia with a growing number of jurisdictions that have implemented nationwide self-exclusion schemes as part of broader responsible gambling strategies. However, the law has also reignited debate around the scale and influence of Russia’s black market gambling sector.
Although the self-exclusion register will apply strictly to the regulated market, concerns persist that illicit operators could benefit indirectly. Authorities have acknowledged the substantial presence of illegal gambling networks across the country, with numerous arrests already made as part of ongoing enforcement campaigns. In response, the government has intensified efforts to shut down unlicensed online gambling platforms and disrupt supporting infrastructure, including cryptocurrency payment services frequently used by illegal operators.
President Vladimir Putin, who has consistently adopted a restrictive stance on gambling, has placed renewed emphasis on tackling illegal activity. The Russian Civic Chamber, a civil society body established earlier in his presidency, has been tasked with supporting these initiatives and addressing emerging risks linked to gambling reform.
Evgeny Masharov, a prominent member of the Civic Chamber, has previously warned that illegal operators enjoy structural advantages over licensed firms. Speaking to Russian news agency TASS, he noted that unregulated platforms often bypass identification and age verification requirements, making them more appealing to users attracted by ease of access and gamified experiences.
Industry observers caution that the introduction of a self-exclusion register could unintentionally exacerbate this problem. Internationally, there are numerous examples of black market operators actively targeting players who have excluded themselves from regulated environments, raising questions about how effectively Russia can protect vulnerable consumers beyond its licensed sector.
