Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) officers conducted searches at the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), with most commission members involved in the investigation.
According to OBOZ.UA’s sources, the searches were prompted by the failure to revoke the license of a company with Russian connections.
On December 4, Ukraine passed a bill aimed at tightening control over gambling, dissolving KRAIL, and introducing automatic license issuance. The bill significantly restricts gambling advertising and mandates that transactions be processed only through banks, enhancing market transparency.
By April 1, 2025, a new regulatory authority will replace the Gambling Regulatory Commission. Its responsibilities and powers will be clearly outlined, with the Ministry overseeing policy in the gambling and lottery sectors, reducing human intervention and automating the licensing process.
Previously, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine’s Committee on Finance, Tax, and Customs Policy recommended by a vote of 23 in favor to adopt draft law №9256-d on strengthening gambling market control, both in the second reading and overall. The bill, in addition to dissolving KRAIL, proposes measures to block access to illegal gambling websites and mobile apps. It bans gambling platforms from covering gambling-related expenses, such as phone calls, messages, or offering free bonuses in lieu of placing a bet.
Gambling ads will be restricted to late-night broadcasts on television and radio, and in media targeted at those over 21. These ads will also be allowed on platforms and search engines with an audience of over 21 years old. The law will prohibit using military personnel, volunteers, and celebrities, as well as references to the war, in ads. Individuals with tax or license payment debts or ties to the aggressor country cannot hold gambling company licenses. However, foreign entities with relevant experience will be eligible to obtain licenses for state-run lotteries.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky had already signed a decree limiting online gambling, implementing the National Security and Defense Council’s decision regarding online casinos.
According to OBOZ.UA’s sources, the searches were prompted by the failure to revoke the license of a company with Russian connections.
On December 4, Ukraine passed a bill aimed at tightening control over gambling, dissolving KRAIL, and introducing automatic license issuance. The bill significantly restricts gambling advertising and mandates that transactions be processed only through banks, enhancing market transparency.
By April 1, 2025, a new regulatory authority will replace the Gambling Regulatory Commission. Its responsibilities and powers will be clearly outlined, with the Ministry overseeing policy in the gambling and lottery sectors, reducing human intervention and automating the licensing process.
Previously, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine’s Committee on Finance, Tax, and Customs Policy recommended by a vote of 23 in favor to adopt draft law №9256-d on strengthening gambling market control, both in the second reading and overall. The bill, in addition to dissolving KRAIL, proposes measures to block access to illegal gambling websites and mobile apps. It bans gambling platforms from covering gambling-related expenses, such as phone calls, messages, or offering free bonuses in lieu of placing a bet.
Gambling ads will be restricted to late-night broadcasts on television and radio, and in media targeted at those over 21. These ads will also be allowed on platforms and search engines with an audience of over 21 years old. The law will prohibit using military personnel, volunteers, and celebrities, as well as references to the war, in ads. Individuals with tax or license payment debts or ties to the aggressor country cannot hold gambling company licenses. However, foreign entities with relevant experience will be eligible to obtain licenses for state-run lotteries.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky had already signed a decree limiting online gambling, implementing the National Security and Defense Council’s decision regarding online casinos.
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