Ukraine Restricts Online Gambling Amid Concerns About Military Personnel

President’s Decree Aims to Address Gambling Issues |||

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on April 20, 2024, restricting online gambling in Ukraine until the end of the imposed martial law. The decision comes in response to concerns that Ukrainian soldiers are spending a significant portion of their salaries in online casinos, leading to negative impacts on their morale and well-being.

Measures Implemented to Curb Online Gambling

Zelensky’s decree imposes several changes, including limitations on online gambling advertisements, weekly deposit and withdrawal limits, and the introduction of an online monitoring system to block unlicensed gambling operators. Additional restrictions on Ukrainian military personnel and regular inspections at physical gambling establishments are also part of the new regulations.

Current State of Online Gambling in Ukraine

Since its legalization in 2020, online gambling in Ukraine has seen a rapid increase. In 2023, the industry contributed approximately $267 million in tax revenues. By the first two months of 2024, Ukraine had already generated $56 million. Responding to these findings, President Zelensky has tasked the Ukrainian Cabinet with further measures to combat gambling issues in the country.

Future Steps to Mitigate Gambling Problems

The Cabinet will work on implementing a ban on gambling advertisements associated with the Ukrainian military. Additionally, negotiations with tech giants such as Apple and Google are in progress to prevent the download of unauthorized gambling apps in Ukraine. The Ministry of Health has been given three months to develop a strategy for preventing and treating gambling addiction.

Conclusion

President Zelensky’s swift response to the gambling situation in Ukraine signals a commitment to addressing the issue promptly. The effectiveness of the planned changes and their impact remain to be seen in the coming days.