Gambling Addiction in the CIS

Publication date: 31 October 2025

Why has the problem of gambling addiction become important in 2025? In all CIS* countries, there is a common set of risks among gambling and betting audiences: increased popularity of games of chance and online betting, accessibility of illegal casino websites and bookmakers, vulnerability of young people and individuals with coexisting addictions, low awareness about self-restriction mechanisms, and lack of specialized assistance.

The CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) is an international organization (interstate association) established to promote cooperation between countries that were formerly part of the USSR. As of 2025, full-fledged members of the CIS are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Belarus, and Uzbekistan.

What Measures Do Different Countries Take to Combat Gambling Addiction?

Regulators in various countries are attempting to solve the problem of gambling addiction through different methods and their combinations: bans or restrictions on gambling, “white” (legal) gambling zones, oversight of online operators, as well as the launch of self-exclusion registries or lists of persons with limited access. On 3S.INFO, we will learn more about the most widespread measure: the creation of self-exclusion registries.

What is a Self-exclusion Register for Combating Gambling Addiction?

A self-exclusion registry is a centralized database of players who have voluntarily declared their wish to restrict their access to gambling activities for a certain period of time.

Key Functions of Gambling and Betting Self-Exclusion Registers

Blocking access to online and offline casinos, bookies, lotteries;
Mandatory verification by all licensed operators;
Protecting vulnerable players from relapses and impulsive behavior;
A tool for preventing ludomania at the state level.

Historical Overview: From Early Initiatives to Modern Systems for Combatting Gambling Addiction

Stage	Examples	Content
1960s–1980s	UK, Canada	The first local self-exclusion lists are maintained directly within casinos and bookmakers. Players filled out paper applications, which led to entry denial.
1990s	USA, Australia	Regional programs emerge: lists cover entire states (for example, Nevada or Ontario).
2000s	UK (2002), Sweden, Italy	Digitalization begins: registers are kept electronically but remain fragmented across different operators.
2010s	UK — GAMSTOP (2018), Sweden — Spelpaus (2019)	National online registries are launched, covering all licensed operators and functioning automatically. Players can block access for 6 months, 1 year, or indefinitely.
2020s	Kazakhstan (2021–2022), Belarus (2022), Russia and Uzbekistan (2024–2025)	CIS countries begin implementing national self-exclusion systems integrated with government services and identification systems. The registry becomes part of comprehensive responsible gaming policies.

Self-Exclusion Registers in CIS Countries: Second Generation (2020–2025)

Belarus was one of the first CIS countries to implement a centralized register of restricted individuals mandatory for all operators to check (2022).
Kazakhstan introduced a digital self-limitation mechanism via the eGov portal since 2021, extending periods up to 10 years in 2024.
Russia is launching a unified self-exclusion register in 2025 via the Gosuslugi (“State Services”) portal the public-law company ERAI.
Uzbekistan creates the EGRSI system (2025), unifying bet registration, player data, and restriction records into a single digital platform.

These systems feature unique characteristics distinct from early paper-based lists:

They operate automatically and interconnect all operators;
Integrated with government services and KYC identity verification processes;
Include both voluntary self-exclusion and compulsory limitations imposed by courts, authorities, or family members.

Features of Self-Exclusion Registers Across CIS Countries

All CIS countries are in the process of improving their systems by adopting best international practices, although the pace and effectiveness of this development vary.

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Features of Player Self-Exclusion System in Russia

Legal Framework. The key institution is the Public-Law Company “Unified Gambling Regulator” (ERAI), established by Federal Law No. 493 (2020), which centralizes control over legal betting and financial transactions, as well as interaction with operators.
ERAI publishes strategic documents and reports on blocking illegal platforms (hundreds of thousands of domains since 2021). However, estimates indicate that the grey market remains significant — about 20%. This underscores that traffic filtering alone does not solve the problem.

Self-Limitation (Self-Exclusion) Register. In 2025, an updated bill was submitted to the State Duma: application for self-ban through Gosuslugi, maintenance of a unified register, mandatory checks by all legal operators; withdrawal of the application is impossible. The minimum term is 12 months. It takes effect shortly after submission (a window of 12 hours was discussed). This brings the model closer to Britain’s GAMSTOP but with national specificities.

Vector is toward centralization of supervision (by ERAI) and implementation of a full-scale self-exclusion mechanism. Risks include protection of personal data, effective verification by offline operators, and combating offshore websites efficiently.

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User Exclusion Register for Casino Websites and Bookmakers in Belarus

Legal Model and Monitoring. In Belarus, the Gaming Business Monitoring Center (LLC MCIB) operates round-the-clock special SKKS system and online monitoring of halls/casinos.

List of Persons Restricted from Visiting Gambling Establishments. There is a state-run internet resource for verifying and enrolling citizens in a list of those whose access to gambling establishments and participation in games of chance is limited. Enrollment may occur either upon player’s request (self-restriction) or based on other lawful grounds. Operators are required to verify customers.

Pros/Cons. The system is strict and centralized, but the main challenge lies in the shift to online sites without Belarusian licensing and proper verification.

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Gambling and Betting in Kazakhstan: Fight Against Problem Gambling

Legal Trends. Since September 9, 2024, amendments to the law on gambling business and lotteries came into force: prohibitions expanded for certain categories (including public officials) and harm reduction measures strengthened.

Self-Restriction Through eGov. The self-ban mechanism is available in the eGov Mobile app: now you can choose a ban duration of up to 10 years (previously 6–12 months). By July 2024, over 130,000 people had filed self-ban applications. Government agencies regularly publish updated summaries.

Self-regulation and Associations. The industry includes the SRO of Bookmakers of the Republic of Kazakhstan (self-regulatory organization since 2016), as well as public organizations focused on protecting citizens’ rights in the gambling sector. Some of them declare a focus on consumer protection. The real impact of these structures is uneven and frequently concentrated on industry interests.

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How Do Exclusion Systems Work in Uzbekistan?

Liberalization and Digital Regulation. In 2024–25, the country partially legalized the market (bookmaking activity and online games) and created a digital infrastructure for control: Unified State Register of Bets and Players (EGRSI); new rules for online games were implemented starting July 2025. The register allows tracking participants, bets, payouts, and maintaining a limitation registry (based on player’s statement, court decision, or governmental bodies).

Challenges. Rapid digitization requires high maturity in KYC/AML procedures and data protection. Simultaneously, it’s crucial to ensure channels for psychological support so that technical barriers are reinforced by help for dependent gamblers.

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Fighting Gambling Addiction: How It Happens in Armenia?

Armenia has tightened regulations in recent years (including advertising and placement of venues), while discussions on self-exclusion are included in a package of harm reduction measures. Public information about a nationwide self-exclusion register is less extensive than in Belarus/Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan. Emphasis is placed on licensing and controlling points, as well as advertising restrictions. (The situation is dynamic and updates as reforms progress.)

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Games of Chance and Combating Gambling Addiction in Azerbaijan

Gambling is largely prohibited in its broad form; only state lotteries and regulated betting lines exist (psychological services are coordinated through health care and insurance systems). There is no publicly accessible national self-exclusion register similar to those in Kazakhstan/Belarus. Regulation relies on limiting supply and filtering illegal online content.

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How Do Self-Exclusion Lists Operate: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Moldova
- Kyrgyzstan reintroduced casinos in a limited format (for non-residents/in resort areas) during 2022–2023. Self-exclusion regulation is still nascent, focusing primarily on location control and licensing.
- Tajikistan maintains strict restrictions. Open sources provide almost no information on self-exclusion mechanisms comparable to those found in Belarus or Kazakhstan.
- Moldova (not always classified as a CIS member today, but relevant regionally): The National Agency for Regulation in the Field of Gambling operates; self-exclusion is implemented more at the operator level and general prohibitions rather than a unified cross-operator registry.
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Why Are Effective Self-Exclusion Registers Important Today?

Effective self-exclusion registers are not just a technical tool, but an essential element of social responsibility and citizen protection in the digital age. Their importance today stems from several critical factors.

Psychological aspect — the register gives a person time for rehabilitation, reducing the risk of impulsive relapse.
Legal aspect — operators are obligated to verify clients and bear responsibility for violations.
Social aspect — the state acquires a tool for monitoring and collecting statistics on dependency.

Structure of the Best Self-Exclusion Registers: International Experience

The structure of the best self-exclusion registers represents a complex system combining rigorous technology, thoughtful legislation, and user convenience. These systems work on the principle of “set once — banned everywhere.” Here is how the most effective ones function, drawing examples from leading practices: UK, Sweden, Italy, Singapore.

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United Kingdom — GAMSTOP
Launch: 2018 г.
Features:
- National online register covering all licensed online gambling operators.
- Players can select a blocking period: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
  Registration is free and takes approximately 5 minutes, requiring identity confirmation (full name, date of birth, email).
  Operators must check every new and existing customer against the GAMSTOP database; failure to comply results in substantial fines and license revocation.
Outcome: Over 390,000 people used GAMSTOP (data as of 2024). Approximately 82% believe the program helped manage their addiction.

Innovation: GAMSTOP became the world’s first true “cross-operator” online register and inspired similar projects globally.
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Sweden — Spelpaus
Launch: 2019 (simultaneously with liberalization of the online gambling market)
Features:
- Central register managed by regulator Spelinspektionen.
- Terms: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or “until cancellation” (lifetime).
- Self-exclusion applies to all forms of licensed gambling — online and offline.
- Users can lift self-exclusion only after the expiration of the chosen period and with verified identity.
Outcome: More than 90,000 users registered in Spelpaus. The system integrates with banks and BankID authentication, making circumvention nearly impossible.

Innovation: All forms of gambling — including casinos, lotteries, and slot machines — fall under mandatory checks.
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Italy — Registro Autoesclusione AAMS
Launch: 2007, updated in 2019
Features:
- Single-state register operated by ADM (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli).
- Self-exclusion can be applied for 6 months, 1 year, or indefinitely.
- Applies to online operators licensed in Italy.
Outcome: Italy became the first EU country where self-exclusion was legally mandated nationally, rather than being a voluntary initiative by operators.
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Singapore — NCPG Self-Exclusion Scheme
Launch: 2006

Features:
- One of Asia’s oldest registers, covers both online and land-based casinos.
- Self-exclusion can be initiated personally, by relatives, or by court order.
- Includes a “Family Exclusion Order,” allowing families to initiate blocking without the player’s consent.
Innovation: Combines voluntary and enforced exclusion focused on family protection.
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How Does International Experience in Combating Gambling Addiction Impact the CIS Region?

International experience demonstrates that self-exclusion registers are effective only when combined with mandatory cross-operator verification, integration with national ID systems, and psychosocial support services. This comprehensive approach is what CIS countries are currently moving towards, building their own systems based on proven foreign models.

Systems like GAMSTOP and Spelpaus have become benchmarks. Their principles are now being adopted in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan:

Centralized database with mandatory verification by all licensed operators;
Impossibility to instantly withdraw one’s declaration;
Integration with government services and digital identity cards.

The Belarusian model resembles the Italian one — strict control and a centralized list, though without extended terms or family restrictions yet. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan added an innovation — a 10-year limit, exceeding even many European systems.

Combating Gambling Addiction: What Else Works and What is Often Lacking?

Prevention Funding. The Russian model through ERAI accumulates targeted funds (including for sports), but stable funding for independent prevention/treatment efforts is scarce.
Independent NGOs and Helplines. Most CIS countries lack specialized NGOs addressing gambling addiction. In their absence, registers become merely a “technical barrier” rather than part of comprehensive support.
The main challenge is offshore online and cross-border access. Without international cooperation and payment restrictions, the grey market has a huge influence on at-risk players.

Effective self-exclusion registers are vital today because they serve as practical, working tools for self-protection for vulnerable citizens in an environment where potentially harmful services have become highly accessible. They combine individual responsibility, technological solutions, and state regulation to mitigate severe social and economic consequences of addiction. While not a panacea, they represent a critically important component in the overall system of aid and protection.

FAQ

Why Has Gambling Addiction Become Relevant in 2025?

In CIS countries, there’s been an increase in the popularity of games of chance and online betting, availability of illegal websites, high youth vulnerability, and low awareness of self-restriction methods. This increases the risks of ludomania and necessitates comprehensive protective measures.

What Is a Self-Exclusion Register and How Does It Help Combat Gambling Addiction?

A self-exclusion register is a centralized database of players who voluntarily restrict their access to gambling activities. It blocks access to casinos and betting shops, helps operators verify customers, and reduces the risk of impulsive relapses.

What Features Characterize Self-Exclusion Registers in CIS Countries?

In the CIS, digital registers are being implemented, integrated with government services, linking all operators automatically, incorporating both voluntary and forced restrictions, and integrating with KYC and identification systems.

How Does International Experience Influence the Fight Against Gambling Addiction in the CIS?

Models such as those from the UK (GAMSTOP) and Sweden (Spelpaus) have become benchmarks for the CIS: centralized databases, mandatory checks by all operators, and inability to quickly withdraw declarations. This contributes to the creation of effective self-protection structures.

What Challenges Remain in Addressing Gambling Addiction in the CIS?

Main challenges include insufficient funding for prevention and treatment, lack of specialized NGOs, and the influence of offshore markets and illegal operators. Without international cooperation and a comprehensive approach, the problem remains significant.