President Zelenskyy enacts decree to impose restrictions on online betting in Ukraine
April 20, 2024:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Issues Decree to Limit Online Gambling
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, signed a decree aiming to curb online gambling activities within the country. This decree is effective until the lifting of the ongoing martial law in Ukraine.
UPDATE 30.04.24
Ukrainian Authorities Block 2,500 Unlicensed Gambling Websites
In an ongoing effort to combat illegal gambling, Ukrainian authorities, in collaboration with the Prosecutor General's Office, have blocked access to approximately 2,500 gambling websites [source in English] that didn't comply with local regulations. Since last year, over 450 such incidents have been under investigation, resulting in charges against 72 gambling operators with links to organized crime.
UPDATE 25.04.24
Ukrainian Parliament Votes to Disband Gambling Regulatory Body
During a parliamentary session on April 24, 2024, the Ukrainian Parliament voted to disband the Gambling Regulatory Authority (KRAIL) [source in English] with a majority of 272 votes in favor. The decision was triggered by administrative and regulatory issues that led to insufficient attendance at KRAIL meetings, causing delays in making crucial decisions. However, for the final approval, President Zelensky's signature is required.
Zelensky Enacts Measures to Control Online Gambling through Decree
As reported by The Kyiv Independent [source in English], President Volodymyr Zelensky has enacted a decree to limit online gambling in Ukraine. Allegations of Ukrainian soldiers spending a significant portion of their salaries on online casinos, even taking loans, have adversely impacted the armed forces' morale and well-being.
Previous investigations were conducted due to the rising issue of gambling addiction within the Ukrainian military and their impact on soldiers' well-being. A petition against online gambling gained over 25,000 signatures within a day, triggered by soldier Pavlo Petrytschenko's disclosure of the issue within the armed forces.
The new decree for online gambling in Ukraine includes the following changes:
- Prohibition of online gambling advertisements within Ukraine.
- Weekly deposit and withdrawal limits for players.
- Implementation of an online monitoring system to restrict unauthorized gambling providers.
- Tightened controls for military personnel involved in gambling.
- Regular inspections at land-based gambling events.
Since its legalization in 2020, online gambling in Ukraine has witnessed a surge, generating around $267 million (€250.54 million) in taxes for the country in 2023. In the first two months of 2024, Ukraine has earned $56 million (€52.57 million) already.
Zelensky Charges Ukrainian Cabinet with Implementing New Gambling Regulations
Post the new decree, President Zelensky has assigned tasks to his cabinet to address gambling issues in Ukraine further. This includes developing a strategy to ban gambling advertisements connected with the Ukrainian military and engaging in negotiations with Apple and Google to block unlicensed gambling apps in Ukraine. Zelensky hopes to achieve these objectives within a month. Additionally, the Ukrainian Ministry of Health will propose a concept for gambling addiction prevention and treatment within three months.
President Zelensky's prompt actions in response to gambling issues in Ukraine remain under observation, as the pace of implementation and effectiveness of the planned changes are yet to be determined.
Following the Ukrainian President's decree to limit online gambling, there's been growing interest in this topic in other countries, such as Germany. [Online casinos in Germany] have been monitoring the situation closely, as they operate under different regulations.
Despite the decree, some Ukrainian players may still seek alternatives, potentially turning to unlicensed [online casinos in Germany] for their gambling needs.
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