Online betting only: government prepares new model for regulating the gambling market
12 March 10:25
The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine has prepared two draft laws that propose significant changes to the rules governing the gambling business. This is stated in two draft laws prepared by the ministry, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The documents provide for changes to:
- The Law of Ukraine on State Regulation of Activities Related to the Organization and Conduct of Gambling
- The Tax Code of Ukraine.
The key idea is to move from formal supervision to constant digital control of the gambling industry.
Digital monitoring and control of player behavior
The bill introduces new rules for responsible gaming.
In particular:
- operators must track the gaming behavior of customers
- respond in case of signs of addiction
- players will be able to set personal limits and self-restrictions.
A clear system of sanctions is also proposed:
- fines for minor violations
- license revocation for serious violations.
Bookmaker outlets may disappear
One of the most radical decisions is the elimination of offline betting shops.
Betting would only be allowed online.
In addition, the following is envisaged:
- a ban on cash bets
- the use of only chips, tokens, or electronic units
- the creation of a single register of gambling operators
- connecting it to the state online monitoring system.
New taxes for players and businesses
A separate bill changes the approach to taxing winnings.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation proposes to tax only “net winnings” — that is, the difference between the amount of the winnings and the player’s bet.
In addition, it is proposed to:
- abolish double taxation of operators
- to establish a single tax of 18%.
Currently, gambling companies pay both gambling income tax and income tax, which effectively leads to double taxation of the same funds.
How the gambling market in Ukraine has changed
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine legalized the gambling business in 2020.
The law allowed the operation of:
- casinos
- bookmakers
- slot machine halls
- online poker.
In the same year, a regulatory body was created — the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries.
However, in 2025, the government decided to liquidate this body, transferring its powers to the state agency PlayCity.
Scandals surrounding online casinos
Discussions about gambling intensified after publications about the scale of Ukrainians’ spending.
According to the National Bank of Ukraine, in 2023, Ukrainians spent about UAH 400 million per day on online casinos, or more than UAH 12 billion per month.
The problem of gambling addiction among the military attracted particular attention, sparking widespread public debate.
Restrictions during the war
After the public outcry, the authorities began to introduce restrictions.
In 2024, Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree restricting the operation of online casinos.
That same year, the government introduced a complete ban on gambling advertising.
New draft laws from the Ministry of Digital Transformation could be the next step in reforming the gambling market, aimed at strengthening control and combating gambling addiction.
