A study conducted by the international research agency KANTAR using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) found that Ukrainian citizens exhibit low levels of gambling addiction.
The findings were reported by Alexander Kohut, President of the Association of Ukrainian Gambling Operators (AUOGB).
Ukraine’s PGSI scores ranged from 0.85 to 1.03, placing the country in the “Low-Risk Gambling” category.
For comparison, the global average PGSI score across 64 countries is 1.41. Kohut noted that previous studies in Ukraine, conducted under the patronage of the Ministry of Health, also did not identify gambling addiction as a national problem.
He argued that exaggerating the issue of gambling addiction benefits illegal casinos and emphasised that gambling addiction cannot be addressed through restrictions or limits.
Kohut stated, “If gambling addiction exists, it should be addressed. But then it becomes logical to restrict legal operators, introduce various limits, and apply other regulations.
"What will happen as a result? All problem gamblers will move to the shadow market.”
The AUOGB President added that industry-level problem gambling indicators in Ukraine will be measured regularly in the future through joint efforts by market participants.
He explained: “We want all industry markers to be under control so that we have an objective picture. Such monitoring is part of the industry’s reputation. We don’t want the sector to be accused of problems that don’t actually exist.”
According to the AUOGB, the illegal segment accounts for 39–53% of the total Ukrainian gambling market.
Founded in the UK, KANTAR operates in over 90 markets worldwide and serves clients in sectors such as consumer goods, media, healthcare, and finance.
Regulator PlayCity recently said the first phase of Ukraine’s state online gambling monitoring system is set to go live in June, alongside new licensing, inspection and enforcement measures
