“The document provides for the fight against gambling addiction and the improvement of state regulation of activities related to the organization and conduct of gambling games and lotteries”, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
It is known that the document provides for the fight against gambling addiction and the improvement of state regulation of activities related to the organization and conduct of gambling games and lotteries.
It was determined that instead of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, a new authorized body will be formed by April 1, 2025, and a specialized ministry will be determined, which will shape policy in the field of gambling business and lotteries. The process of issuing licenses for market participants will be digitized.
The law also introduces prohibition of gambling advertising, in addition to a limited list of permitted methods, which include the broadcast of this advertisement on TV and radio at night, in media for persons over 21 years of age, on platforms and search engines with a target audience over 21 years of age.
In addition, the participation of military personnel, volunteers, popular persons, as well as the use of topics related to war are prohibited in advertising.
Thus, gambling settlements are made exclusively in cash through bank current accounts, and the use of other payment services is prohibited. Sponsorship is also prohibited, except for sports sponsorship.
A mechanism to restrict access to illegal gambling websites and mobile applications is being implemented, while controlled gambling is being introduced as a tool of state market surveillance to replace actual checks.
Lotteries are subject to most gambling restrictions. In particular, there will be requirements regarding the reputation of officials, tax debt, relations with the aggressor country, exclusively bank settlements. It is allowed to obtain a license for conducting state lotteries to foreign entities with relevant experience.
The law also clarifies the rules regarding “the impossibility of obtaining a license by persons associated with the aggressor country and prohibits the use of their brands.”
There will also be limits on spending and playing time, mandatory breaks, accepting bets on credit or with subsequent payment is prohibited.
The gambling business was legalized in Ukraine in 2020. The relevant law caused mixed reactions. Before that, it was officially banned in Ukraine since 2009, but experts drew attention to the fact that gambling establishments simply switched to working in the “shadow”.