In Russia, bookmakers will be required to warn about the risks of gambling addiction

Starting from September 1, requirements will come into force in Russia obliging betting companies to warn citizens about the possibility of gambling addiction. Georgy Kamnev, a State Duma deputy from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, told Izvestia about this on August 27.

"If we are talking about radio, the warning should take at least three seconds of advertising time, and for video — at least five seconds with at least 7% of the frame area. On banners, in print and online media, we are talking about the same 7% of the advertising area," Kamnev said.

According to the new rules, warnings about the risks of gambling should also appear on the main page of sites where bets are accepted. In addition, bookmakers are required to provide users with information about financial services that can be an alternative to gambling as a leisure activity.

The parliamentarian noted that a QR code with a link to a page with such information should also appear at offline betting points - at the entrance to bookmakers.

According to Kamnev, the new measures are a positive step, but they do not solve the problem completely. The MP noted that the Communist Party of the Russian Federation opposes the gaming business because of the consequences of ludomania, which can lead to serious social problems.

He also recalled that in January, the party submitted to the State Duma a bill banning sports betting to citizens under the age of 21. In addition, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation proposes to introduce a tax on the excess profits of betting companies and to continue strengthening control over the sphere of gambling.

Own needle: almost 13 million Russians suffer from gambling addiction

Ludomaniacs spend about 21% of their budget on gambling. Men aged 25 to 40 are at special risk.

On July 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on fines for gambling organizers for violating citizens' self-secrecy. The document established the responsibility for bookmakers, sweepstakes, casinos and slot machine halls for accepting bets or allowing persons who have issued a restriction to gambling, as well as for distributing gambling advertising to such citizens.