A significant legislative proposal aimed at increasing financial support for Russian sports through the betting industry is moving forward. The State Duma Committee on Economic Policy has officially recommended that the State Duma Council consider a bill that would substantially raise the mandatory contributions from bookmakers.
The proposed legislation, introduced by deputies from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) and Senator Ayrat Gibatdinov, seeks to increase the rate of targeted deductions from bookmakers to 10% of their revenue. This represents a major potential shift in how the growing betting market contributes to the national sports ecosystem.
According to the committee's recommendation, the State Duma Council is expected to appoint the Economic Policy Committee as the responsible body for this bill. The document is slated for inclusion in the approximate legislative program for the spring session of 2026, indicating a clear timeline for its potential passage.
The bill will now be sent out for the preparation of official reviews, proposals, and remarks from various stakeholders. The deadline for submitting these comments is set for June 11, marking a critical phase in the legislative process where input from industry and other experts will be gathered.
A key provision within the draft law establishes a minimum quarterly contribution threshold. Even if the 10% calculation results in a lower figure, bookmakers would be required to pay no less than 50 million rubles per quarter. This floor is designed to ensure a consistent and substantial flow of funds to sports organizations.
The authors of the bill justify the need for these changes by pointing to the significant growth of the Russian bookmaker market. They argue that as the industry expands, its financial contributions to the development of sports should grow proportionally, ensuring that the sector's success directly benefits athletic programs and infrastructure.
This legislative move reflects an ongoing effort to formalize and increase the financial relationship between the commercial betting industry and state-supported sports. The outcome of the June review and subsequent commentary period will be closely watched by bookmakers, sports federations, and policymakers alike.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.