Ukraine is preparing a new mechanism that will restrict access to gambling for military personnel during the state of war. The implementation is being developed by the Ministry of Digital Transformation in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense.
This is reported by Kyiv24
How the Restriction System for Military Personnel Will Work
It is planned that when attempting to access a gambling game, the user will undergo an automatic check through the register of individuals restricted from gambling, as well as through the military personnel register. If the system detects that the user is subject to a restriction, access to the games will be immediately blocked. At the same time, gambling organizers will not receive any information about the user’s status as a military member – they will only be informed of the existence of a restriction without disclosing personal data.
“We continue our systematic fight against gambling addiction. Our goal is to protect military personnel and their families from the risks and consequences of gaming addiction,” the agency emphasized.
The implementation of the new mechanism will be handled by the state regulator of the gambling market – the PlayCity agency.
Changes in Legislation and Regulation of the Gambling Business
In January 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed Law No. 9256-d, which strengthens control in the field of gambling and provides for the liquidation of the Gambling and Lottery Regulation Commission. The law aims to combat gambling addiction and improve state regulation of the organization and conduct of gambling and lotteries.
The document specifies that by April 1, 2025, a new authorized body will be created instead of the Gambling and Lottery Regulation Commission. Additionally, a relevant ministry will be designated to formulate policy in the gambling and lottery sector. The issuance of licenses for market participants will become fully digital.
The law also establishes a ban on gambling advertising, except for permitted methods. Advertising is only allowed at night on TV and radio, in media targeting audiences over 21 years old, as well as on online platforms and search engines with the appropriate target audience. The advertisement is prohibited from involving military personnel, volunteers, public figures, and from using themes related to war.
Payments for gambling will be conducted exclusively in cash through current accounts in banks, and the use of other payment services is prohibited. There is also a ban on sponsorship, except for sports sponsorship.
As part of the reforms, a mechanism for blocking access to illegal gambling websites and mobile applications is also being implemented, which is intended to ensure transparency and control in the industry.
It is worth noting that the gambling business was legalized in Ukraine in 2020. Since then, the sector has undergone significant changes and sparked widespread public debate, as gambling had been officially banned since 2009, and gambling establishments often operated illegally.