A Kantar study, commissioned by the Association of Ukrainian Gambling Operators (AUOGB), has found that gambling addiction among Ukrainian military personnel is roughly the same as in the general population.
The nationwide survey included men and women aged 18 to 69 who had gambled in the three months prior, with coordination from the Ministry of Defence to ensure participation from military personnel.
Researchers found that the soldiers were actually engaging less in online casino games than the general population. However, military gamblers spend slightly more on average, likely due to higher military salaries.
The study also found that Ukrainians tend to overestimate the prevalence of gambling among military personnel. Over 50% believe it is widespread, while only about 20-25% personally know a military member who has ever gambled.
Oleksandr Kohut, AUOGB President, stated: “Sociological data do not confirm that gambling addiction among military personnel is widespread.”
Some politicians and officials have previously suggested limiting military access to online casinos. Kohut has warned that this would benefit illegal operators.
Estimates from Kantar suggest that 39–53% of the Ukrainian gambling market operates illegally.
Earlier, Hennadiy Novikov, Head of Playcity, echoed concerns about bans.
He stated: “If we prohibit legal operators for military personnel and do nothing about the illegal market, there is a high risk that much of the demand will simply move underground.”
He advocates keeping legal gambling accessible and understandable to reduce the appeal of illegal options.
This year, Kantar plans to conduct another study, along with a separate study by the Centre for Responsible Gaming.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine opened a public consultation last week on proposed amendments to the country’s gambling legislation and tax framework.
At the beginning of March, Ukraine issued its first lottery licences in more than 12 years, generating over UAH 72m (€1.7m) in revenue for the state budget as authorities move to formalise the sector.
Ukraine re-legalised gambling in 2020 after more than a decade of prohibition
