Smartphone addiction that begins in infancy is spiking youth gambling rates in Russia, a leading psychologist has warned.

Lilia Shuvalova, a lecturer in the Sports Management Department at Synergy University’s Faculty of Sports, highlighted the concerning trend. Shuvalova's remarks were reported by the Russian newspaper Ru News 24. The psychologist's comments come amidst calls from anti-gambling advocates urging the Kremlin to address the issue.