The total turnover of the Ukrainian gambling industry reached UAH 158bn ($3.60bn) in 2025, with GGR totalling UAH 56bn. This information was reported by Member of Parliament Nina Yuzhanina, citing data from the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU).
According to Yuzhanina, data from the NBU indicates that there have been numerous instances in which gambling payouts were sent to bank cards different from the cards originally used for deposits. Furthermore, some of these transfers involved unusually large sums of money.
Yuzhanina says these irregularities stem from several systemic problems in the gambling market. One major issue is the lack of a state-level online monitoring system for the gambling sector, despite its supposed implementation several years ago. She also highlighted the widespread use of fake players, known as 'drops.' These are individuals whose bank accounts are used by third parties to withdraw large sums of money.
According to her statement, these circumstances create significant risks of money laundering. The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a resolution necessary to launch the online monitoring system for the gambling market.
In the initial phase, the system will track key player transactions, including bets, payouts, refunds, and balance replenishments. This will enable the state to monitor legal operators' activities in real time and more accurately assess the taxes these companies are required to pay. Licensed gambling operators will have six months to connect to the new system. The system is expected to be operational by the summer of 2026 and will play a crucial role in combating the shadow gambling business.
Ukraine recently granted its first lottery licences in 12 years
