IMGL Magazine July 2023

UKRAINE

European regulators, whose regulatory expertise is highly valuable for an inexperienced regulator. In the Commission’s efforts to improve gambling market regulation, particular attention is being given to the initiation of transparent and accessible investment instruments in the gambling market. These instruments are prerequisites for attracting foreign investments into the Ukrainian economy after the war. Primarily, this relates to the opportunities for constructing tourist facilities that will become centers for the hosting of gambling establishments. Currently, the Law provides for the possibility of obtaining an investment license for operating a casino in Ukraine free of charge for a period of 10 years. The commission is also currently working on additional opportunities for granting licenses to operators who will participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine on preferential terms. Furthermore, the Commission is currently working on the next steps in the field of technical regulation and technical standards of the gambling industry. In this it is being provided with methodological support from internationally renowned companies that possess a high level of expertise in technical regulation. Operators are also actively participating in initiatives aimed at enhancingthe effectiveness of the principles of responsible gambling

For example, a large-scale social study, in which operators played an active role, is nearing completion. The study was conducted by the Responsible Gaming Center and was dedicated to examining the main criteria for identifying players with gambling addiction. This research is being conducted for the first time in Ukraine, and both operators and the Commission are eagerly awaiting the results. It is hoped that they will form the basis for more precise development of further measures to combat gambling addiction. In anticipation of the research results, the Commission has initiated the establishment of a permanent working group consisting of its representatives, representatives from the Ministry of Social Policy, the Ministry of Health, the Responsible Gaming Center, representatives from the medical community, and operator representatives. This working group will ensure the coordination of actions between society and the state in the fight against gambling addiction. The presence of effective market regulation mechanisms, transparent and clear technical market regulation standards, developed and convenient control tools, as well as the regulator’s active engagement, high level of professionalism, and expertise, are necessary prerequisites for the full recovery of the gambling market after the end of the war. In turn, the development of the gambling market in Ukraine can become an important component of Ukraine’s economic recovery both directly and indirectly through the potential for tourism development and the attraction of international operators to operate in the Ukrainian market. Understanding this, the Commission, together with market operators, continues to function despite the daily realities of war and rocket attacks, and does everything possible to achieve victory and ensure the quickest recovery and prosperity of Ukraine.

and actively engaging in efforts to improve gambling market regulation.

OLENA VODOLAZHKO Member of the Commission, Ukrainian Gambling and Lottery Commission For information contact o.vodolazhko@gmail.com

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IMGL MAGAZINE | JULY 2023

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