Over 1.13 Million Self-Bans on Loans Recorded in Russia in February 2026
Russia Proposes Voluntary Self-Ban for Video Game Addiction
Russia's State Duma has proposed expanding the country's self-restriction system to new areas, including video games, TASS reports.
The initiative was put forward by Dmitry Gusev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Control.
Since 2025, Russians have been able to voluntarily ban themselves from taking out loans, and starting September 1, 2026, a similar self-exclusion mechanism will apply to gambling. Gusev argues that the system has proven effective and could be extended further.
"Video games have become one of today's serious challenges, evolving into a form of addiction that many struggle to overcome on their own," the lawmaker said. "We should consider introducing self-bans in this area as well."
He also supported other proposals to broaden the self-restriction framework.
"When someone cannot break free from destructive habits—whether gambling, alcohol, or other addictions—the state must provide tools for self-protection. Self-bans are precisely that kind of mechanism," Gusev emphasized.
