Ukraine cracked down on more than 2,500 websites hosting unlicensed gambling content in an effort to combat illegal gambling.
No appropriate license were found from these websites. Moreover, they were removed under recommendations from law enforcement officers.
More actions have been taken in this area. As of April this year, authorities are investigating over 450 criminal offenses connected to an illegal gambling organization. According to a report by the Ukrainian Office of the General Prosecutor, charges have been sent to court against 72 people.
Last year, 169 offenses were registered, with more than 7,000 computers and equipment being grabbed. As a result, 10 casinos were suspended. Accusations were brought against 42 people who are said to be members of criminal groups.
In just over a week after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on April 20, this report comes. The decree he signed approves restrictions on online gambling. It also bans it for the military while martial law remains in place.
On April 24 last year, Ukraine’s parliament saw the first reading of a bill aimed at strengthening the state’s oversight over the gambling business. After initially being submitted back in May last year, 272 lawmakers backed the bill.
Before officially becoming law, the bill must pass the second reading and receive the President’s signature. If approved, it could lead to the abolition of the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries. As long as its responsibilities passed on to the Digital Transformation Ministry.
The potential new law aims to introduce further restrictions on online gambling games. It also aims to impose a ban on advertising and implement tighter business control measures. Additionally, the law aims to enhance safeguards regarding vulnerabilities.
The gambling industry in Ukraine has come a long way, especially considering that the country’s gambling industry was largely legalized shortly before Russia’s full-scale invasion. Work continues to be done in this field.
