For the first time in Ukraine, gambling addiction has been linked to national security risks. The Ministry of Digital Transformation said that during the war, problem gambling has become not only a social and medical issue but also a factor contributing to financial and psychological vulnerability among citizens, increasing exposure to manipulation during wartime.
Authorities are preparing a long-term strategy running to 2035 aimed at reducing harm and strengthening oversight of the sector. Particular attention will be given to the illegal gambling market, which operates through VPNs, cryptocurrencies and mirror websites.
The strategy includes enhanced enforcement measures such as monitoring financial transactions, cooperating with banks to block payments and using artificial intelligence to detect illegal gambling advertising and mirror sites.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation said the illegal sector currently poses the greatest risk to players as it lacks self-exclusion tools, limits and age verification controls. According to the state agency PlayCity, more than 3,500 illegal online casinos were blocked in Ukraine last year.
The Strategy for Minimising the Negative Impact of Gambling and Combating Gambling Addiction to 2035 sets out a shift towards prevention and early detection rather than reactive measures, according to Deputy Minister Natalia Denikeeva.
More than 40 government bodies are expected to be involved in implementation. The Ministry of Health will oversee early diagnosis and treatment programmes, while the Ministry of Education will lead awareness campaigns targeting young people.
Furthermore, social policy authorities will support affected individuals and families, while law enforcement agencies will focus on disrupting illegal operators.
A previous Kantar study commissioned by Association of Ukrainian Gambling Business Operators (AUOGB), using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), found that Ukrainian citizens exhibit low levels of gambling addiction.
Ukraine’s gambling sector is facing growing concerns over transparency, suspected illegal payment flows and potential money laundering risks
