Russia has introduced a new government-led gambling self-exclusion register, which became effective on September 1, 2026, allowing citizens to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling platforms.
According to the government, the new framework is developed in a way to transition from the previous simple system to a more comprehensive mechanism to let players make their own decisions regarding access to online gambling. The register allows citizens to request self-exclusion through the Gosuslugi state services portal, after which operators will be required to block the players’ access to bets, promotions, or transfers.
Amir Khamitov, the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports, explained:
“Starting September 1, the number of self-prohibitions for Russians will expand. On that day, the option to voluntarily ban gambling will become available. Individuals will be able to voluntarily limit their access to betting and thereby protect themselves and their family budget from the potentially dangerous consequences of gambling addiction. A self-prohibition is precisely such a mechanism: the state doesn’t decide for citizens, but rather gives them the opportunity to set limits for themselves in advance.”
Those individuals who choose to apply the self-exclusion won’t be able to withdraw the request before a mandatory 12-month ban period. Additionally, operators will receive fines if they choose to ignore the self-exclusions and continue to keep the user’s account open, with the penalties ranging from $3,400 to $5,700.
The register list with all of the self-excluded citizens will be maintained by the Unified Gambling Regulator and won’t be available publicly.
