UKRAINE
would mark a new stage in the development of Ukraine’s lottery market, likely influencing both its structure and dynamics significantly.
As of April 1, 2025, new rules on gambling advertising and promotion have come into effect. It is too early to assess their effectiveness, but they appear to strike a reasonable balance and help reduce advertising-related risks during this sensitive time. However, illegal gambling and illegal advertising online remains a significant challenge that will require new approaches, collaboration with social media and digital platforms, and innovative regulatory strategies. Amendments to the gambling law include mechanisms that could enhance the fight against illegal operators, but success will depend not only on the new regulator but also on other government agencies responsible for telecommunications and media oversight. A new stage in the evolution of the gambling and lottery markets The new regulator is just beginning its work and has all the prerequisites needed to elevate the regulation of the gambling and lottery markets to a qualitatively new level. With an optimized structure, subordination to one of the country’s most dynamic and capable ministries — the Ministry of Digital Transformation — and the foundation laid by the first regulator, there are strong prospects for further evolution. This includes development for both market operators and regulatory instruments that ensure player protection and promote responsible gambling. A re-licensing phase is expected in early 2026, as many operators received five-year licenses in 2021 from the former regulator. The new regulator will likely manage this process under new conditions and requirements, enabling a comprehensive review of the market following five years of legalized gambling in Ukraine.
Key changes aimed at protecting players and promoting responsible gambling and advertising practices The ongoing military aggression has exacerbated many social issues, including those related to the risks of gambling. At some point, both society and the government acknowledged that these risks also affect citizens involved in military activities. Significant violations of advertising regulations by licensed operators were documented by the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, leading to numerous fines and public dissatisfaction. The public outcry reached the President of Ukraine, who, in April 2024, issued a decree banning all forms of gambling advertising and promotion, along with other measures aimed at protecting players. Amendments to the gambling law followed, and effective April 1, 2025, operators are required to prevent users from playing without first setting mandatory limits. They must also implement mandatory breaks and maximum weekly playtime limits. The new regulator has announced a simplified self-exclusion procedure, enabling citizens to register
themselves in the Self-Exclusion Register via the national digital platform “Diia” in just a few clicks. This will significantly enhance the effectiveness of this protective tool.
OLENA VODOLAZHKO Former Member , Ukrainian Gambling and Lottery Commission For information contact o.vodolazhko@gmail.com
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MAGAZINE | JUNE 2025
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