Free Gambling Addiction Treatment Rolls Out Nationwide on September 1

Gambling addiction, now formally recognised as a medical condition, will receive free treatment at state-run facilities from September 1. The move comes as online betting platforms and casinos have contributed to a rise in cases across the country. Authorities aim to tackle the growing problem with structured healthcare support. The condition, known as ludomania, will be handled by psychiatric narcologists specialising in addiction. Patients will have access to a full range of services, including consultations, psychotherapy, medication, and rehabilitation. Treatment remains entirely voluntary.

Alongside addiction itself, doctors will address related psychological disorders that often develop in affected individuals. The new system replaces fragmented support with a coordinated medical approach. Officials have linked the spread of gambling addiction to the easy availability of online betting. The policy also seeks to lower social risks tied to the issue, such as financial hardship and strained family relationships.

Free medical care for gambling addiction begins on September 1 at state facilities. The programme covers both the addiction and its psychological effects, offering a structured path to recovery. By classifying ludomania as a medical condition, authorities can now provide targeted, long-term support for those affected.