The Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine reported that at least 600 illegal online gambling websites have been blocked since the beginning of 2024. The negative impacts of gambling, particularly on Ukrainian soldiers, have recently been a topic of public discussion. In response to a petition demanding restrictions on online gambling, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on April 20 approving restrictions and banning it for the military while martial law is in force. The maximum penalty for running an illegal online casino website is Hr 850,000 (around $21,500), along with deprivation of certain rights or activities. Law enforcement officers are currently investigating over 450 criminal offenses related to illegal gambling, including the exposure of an underground gambling hall in Kyiv and a network of underground poker clubs in various cities.
Furthermore, the founders and officials of a bank were also exposed for organizing an illegal gambling business, using logos of well-known brands and mirror sites. The bank raised players’ funds of nearly Hr 5 billion (around $127 million), which were later legalized. As a result, the Kyiv Pechersk District court seized the bank accounts of Pin-Up and Vbet, major gambling platforms in Ukraine, on May 13 as part of the State Bureau of Investigation’s criminal proceedings. Additionally, the Prosecutor General’s Office reported that more than 2,500 gambling websites operating without a license were blocked in Ukraine as of April 27. This crackdown on illegal online gambling is part of an ongoing effort by Ukrainian authorities to curb the negative effects of gambling and protect citizens from falling into harmful practices.
The public debate surrounding online gambling in Ukraine has intensified in recent months, with concerns raised about the impact it has on various sectors of society. The association of gambling with criminal activities, such as money laundering and fraud, has prompted law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against illegal operators. The blocking of over 2,500 unauthorized gambling websites demonstrates the government’s commitment to enforcing existing regulations and preventing further harm to individuals and communities. President Zelensky’s decree implementing restrictions on online gambling reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the need to address this issue and protect vulnerable populations, such as soldiers and minors, from the harmful effects of unregulated gambling.
In addition to the legal measures taken against illegal gambling operators, law enforcement agencies in Ukraine have been actively investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in the underground gambling industry. Cases such as the uncovering of an underground hall in a residential complex in Kyiv and a network of poker clubs in multiple cities highlight the pervasive nature of illegal gambling activities in the country. By targeting not only the operators of illegal gambling websites but also associated banks and financial institutions, Ukrainian authorities are sending a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the judiciary in seizing bank accounts and prosecuting offenders demonstrates a concerted effort to combat illegal gambling and protect the public from its detrimental consequences.
Ultimately, the enforcement actions taken by Ukrainian authorities against illegal online gambling reflect a broader commitment to safeguarding public welfare and upholding the rule of law in the country. By blocking hundreds of illegal gambling websites and prosecuting individuals involved in criminal activities related to gambling, the government is sending a strong signal that it will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through unregulated gambling practices. The comprehensive approach taken by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting offenses related to illegal gambling demonstrates a commitment to addressing the root causes of this issue and preventing further harm to Ukrainian society. As the crackdown on illegal gambling continues, it is essential for all stakeholders, including members of the public, to support these efforts and contribute to the creation of a safer and more transparent gambling environment in Ukraine.
