Ukrainian parliament member Mykola Tyshchenko has put forward a set of proposals aimed at curbing the activity of illegal online casinos in Ukraine. The initiative includes blocking payments to unlicensed gambling sites, introducing penalties for their advertising, and creating a daily updated registry of blocked domains, modeled after Poland's approach.
Focus on Enforcement and Market Research
Tyshchenko announced his proposals via a video on his Telegram channel, referencing a recent study by Kantar Ukraine commissioned by the Association of Ukrainian Gambling Operators. Published on October 15, the survey found that 85.6% of Ukrainian players had used illegal online casinos or bookmakers in the past three months, while only 14.4% played exclusively on legal platforms. Kantar also estimated that illegal operators account for 55.4% of Ukrainian gambling expenditure.
Further Steps and Government Involvement
The MP stated his intention to send formal requests regarding the illegal gambling market to the leadership of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the State Service of Special Communications, and the Department of Strategic Investigations of the National Police. Tyshchenko also stressed the need for enhanced protection for vulnerable groups, including youth and individuals with gambling addictions.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
If implemented, these measures could significantly impact operators, affiliates, and advertisers working in the Ukrainian market. Stricter enforcement and payment blocking would make it harder for unlicensed brands to serve local players, while new advertising penalties could affect marketing partners. The creation of a public, frequently updated blocklist would give regulators and industry participants clearer guidance on compliance expectations.
Key takeaways
- Ukrainian MP proposes blocking payments and advertising for illegal gambling sites.
- Kantar Ukraine research highlights dominance of unlicensed operators among players.
- Plans include a daily updated registry of blocked domains, similar to Poland's system.
- Potential for increased regulatory scrutiny and enforcement in the Ukrainian market.