Ukraine is set to introduce a long-term strategy to reduce gambling harm, with the Ministry of Digital Transformation outlining a nationwide plan running to 2035.
The plan marks a shift in focus towards prevention and for the first time formally recognises gambling addiction as a potential concern not only for individuals but also for broader society.
Under the proposed framework, support measures would cover the full cycle of care from education and self-regulation tools for players through to treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration into everyday life.
Special attention will be given to families affected by financial and psychological consequences.
The Ministry of Health will oversee the medical response, including introducing screening for gambling addiction, establishing clear patient treatment pathways, expanding access to mental health services and training doctors, psychologists, as well as social workers to manage addiction cases.
The strategy will involve more than 40 government bodies and institutions working together, with periodic reviews planned until 2035. A draft has already been published for consultation, with proposals accepted until 18 May.
Alongside this, authorities intend to strengthen enforcement against the illegal gambling market, which continues to pose challenges for regulation and revenue collection.
Speaking to local media, the Head of PlayCity, Gennady Novikov, warned that half of Ukraine’s online casino market remains illegal.
In separate news from this week, the state-owned Sense Bank is facing scrutiny following claims that it may have been used to facilitate illegal gambling transactions.
This is according to comments made by Danylo Hetmantsev, Head of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance and Tax.
Ukraine has launched a national study on gambling’s impact on society, with final results due in August 2026
