TITLE: Russia's State Duma Adopts Law to Combat Gambling Advertising on Social Media BODY: Russia's State Duma has passed legislation in its third reading amending the Federal Law on Advertising and the Federal Law on State Regulation of Gambling Activities. The law introduces comprehensive measures to prevent and combat gambling addiction (ludomania) and establishes stricter requirements for gambling and betting advertisements. Under the new law, all gambling advertisements must include warnings stating that participation in gambling does not guarantee winnings and may result in financial loss and harm to health and wellbeing. Advertisers and advertising distributors will be held liable for violations of these requirements. The legislation also mandates that gambling operators display a QR code on their websites containing information about alternative investment opportunities for savings and additional income, alongside mandatory information about the risks and harmful consequences of gambling participation. Maxim Topilin, Chairman of the State Duma's Committee on Economic Policy, stated that the measures aim to protect citizens from gambling addiction, strengthen state control over gambling establishments, and increase transparency and accountability among gambling operators. The law represents a coordinated approach to regulating gambling promotion across multiple legislative frameworks, including amendments to laws governing advertising practices and gambling regulat ... (1728 chars total)