A notable move in Russia’s policy landscape was voiced by Artem Metelev, who chairs the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy. He proposed the introduction of an extra tax on betting companies, with the collected funds earmarked for treating and preventing gambling addiction. The statement, reported by DEA News, signals a shift toward accountability for the social costs associated with gambling activities.
Metelev pointed out that existing law does not ban betting or online gaming, yet there is a noticeable absence of discussion about gambling addiction within the public conversation in Russia. He stressed that the issue remains under-discussed despite the clear signs of harm in some households and communities. The deputy highlighted troubling scenarios where individuals sell property, disappear after work, or mortgage their homes to sustain gambling behavior. He asserted that such cases illustrate the broader social impact and underscore the need for closer scrutiny and controls on gambling operators.
According to Metelev, implementing an additional tax would not only generate revenue but also compel organizers to demonstrate greater responsibility toward their patrons who struggle with problematic gambling. The aim, as described, is to create a financial incentive for operators to adopt preventative measures and support services for at-risk players, thereby contributing to a healthier gaming environment.
In related clinical developments, early in January the Sechenov University news channel cited Dmitry Petelin, a psychiatrist at the First Moscow State Medical University named after Sechenov, noting that an estimated 5 to 10 percent of Russians under the age of 30 could develop gambling-related addictions. Petelin’s assessment reflects the concerns of medical professionals about the rising vulnerability of younger populations to gambling disorders and the potential long-term consequences on mental health and socioeconomic stability. This medical perspective complements policy discussions by translating societal risk into clinical terms and care needs (DEA News).
The international health community has also weighed in on gambling disorders. In 2022, the World Health Organization officially added computer gambling to its list of recognized harmful conditions, highlighting the growing global recognition of gambling as a public health concern. This inclusion underscores the necessity for coordinated responses that combine prevention, treatment, and regulation to mitigate harm and support affected individuals and families (DEA News).