The office of the Prosecutor General blocked over 2,500 gambling sites operating without licenses in Ukraine since 27 April. This follows President Zelenskyy's announcing new restrictions on online casinos, banning soldiers from gambling, and placing limits on advertising.
The new Ukrainian regulations follow a petition led by Pavlo Petrychenko, which highlights addiction among soldiers. Several conditions add to the weakening self-control among military personnel away from their families for the third year.
Online gambling became a way of coping with stress for soldiers coping with stressful conditions not able to fully rest. Petrychenko feels it is the main reason for the psychological vulnerability of some, in which gambling offers a quick release of dopamine, weakening self-control.
Ukraine to Dissolve the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries
The writing has been on the wall for the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) since the 2022 scandal. Despite links with Russia, KRAIL licensed 1xBet. Bill9256d, handed to the Digital Transformation Ministry with 272 of 450 votes, suggests the end of KRAIL.
Public debate started after Petrychenko submitted a petition that highlighted the addiction among soldiers. The legislation increases restrictions on advertising and bans linking with gambling operators that have ties to the Russian Federation.
The new regulations also ban sponsorships and prohibit online operators from advertising using armed forces images. The bill also bans military personnel from entering casinos during the martial law period.
Petrychenko's petition reached 26,000 out of the 25,000 required signatures before he submitted it for government review. |
Ukraine Promises Online Gambling Black Market Crackdown
Ukrainian legislators pledge that the restrictions already in place will also focus on increasing action against the black market. Deputy Zhelezniak feels the regulations will only be effective with a synchronised fight against the black market, otherwise, the restrictions may be less effective and push people towards the illegal market.
Zhelezniak also announced that further regulations will follow, aiming to limit payment methods. The Pavlo Petrychenko petition also shed light on other problems, including claims that soldiers sell military equipment to fund their gambling habit. Under the new rules, pawn shops can no longer accept drones and other military equipment.
President Zelenskyy Approve Suite of Measures
The new regulations approved on 20 April by President Volodymyr Zelensky include the following online casino requirements.
Online gambling operators must impose a mandatory loss limit.
Online players must take compulsory breaks.
Online players can no longer register for multiple accounts at one operator.
An informational campaign will warn against the dangers of gambling addiction.
Within the next three months, the Ukrainian Ministry of Health will adopt a clinical protocol to treat gambling addiction.
Medical training will include identifying signs of problem gambling.
The security services in Ukraine need to check whether operators comply with the law within two months.
Pavlo Petrychenko, Author of Petition to Ban Online Casino Access Dies
Petrychenko registered a petition on the official President of Ukraine website on 29 March after complaining that the moderation team constantly rejected it. While his efforts did not go unnoticed and changed legislation in Ukraine, he died on 15 April.
Sergeant Pavlo Petrychenko of the 59th Brigade died during a combat mission in Donetsk Oblast. Since March 2022, he has been involved with the Serhii Prytula volunteer centre.
Joining the armed forms in April 2022, his petition requested President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to present an urgent bill to KRAIL reached the President on 29 March.
Pavlo Petrychenko proves that one person can make a difference!
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