Ministry of Health proposes the establishment of a fund for the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction

The Ministry of Health has published for public consultation a draft ordinance establishing a specialized fund to finance activities related to the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.

The project regulates the mechanism for planning, managing, and distributing funds, with the aim of ensuring sustainable financing for therapy programs, support for affected individuals, and risk mitigation, especially among young people. The document also outlines a clear procedure for the application, evaluation, and financing of projects.

The ordinance is being prepared in compliance with amendments to the Gambling Act, which introduce new requirements for social responsibility and control. It is envisaged that the funds will be formed from the annual contributions of gambling organizers and distributed between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, with the fund ensuring their targeted and transparent use.

According to data from the National Revenue Agency, nearly 50,000 people have already voluntarily registered in the registry of vulnerable persons with restricted access to gambling, highlighting the significant scale of the problem.

The topic is among the priorities of the Minister of Health, Assoc. Prof. Mikhail Okoliyski, while measures to increase awareness are being taken in parallel. A special section has already been created in the “eHealth” mobile application with information on the risks, symptoms, and support options for gambling addiction.

The proposed ordinance aims to create an effective tool for limiting addiction and providing better protection for vulnerable groups through coordinated and sustainable policies.

The text of the draft Ordinance can be found HERE.