The Ukrainian Association of Gambling Business Operators (UAOIB) has proposed targeted gambling restrictions for servicemen affected by gambling addiction instead of a blanket ban on all soldiers, arguing that a full prohibition could push users towards illegal gambling platforms.
Under the proposal, individuals with gambling addiction would be restricted based on identification and requests from military commanders.
The association suggests that commanders would be able to enter information into a register imposing an individual restriction for specific soldiers whose participation negatively affects, or may affect, their duties, discipline or financial situation.
As a legal basis, the association cites Article 16 of Ukraine’s Law on State Regulation of Gambling, which allows restrictions on gambling participation at the initiative of third parties. It also notes that during martial law, the government has the authority to introduce special rules for servicemen.
A Kantar study commissioned by the AUOGB found that gambling addiction among Ukrainian military personnel is broadly in line with the general population.
Researchers found that 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.
Estimates from Kantar suggest that 39–53% of the Ukrainian gambling market operates illegally.
Earlier, Hennadiy Novikov, Head of Playcity, echoed AUOGB’s 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.”
At the beginning of March, Ukraine issued its first lottery licences in more than 12 years
