The Ukraine was proud to gain its independence in 1991. They have over 40 casinos, so although gambling in this young country is new, it is very popular.
Gambling is officially set to become legal in Ukraine after the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, signed the country’s Gambling Act into law in August 2020, with Eastern Europe-facing operator Parimatch already announcing its intent to pursue a license.
Until 2020, all gambling – both land-based and online – was outlawed. In 2009, during the time of Prime Minister Yuliia Tymoshenko, a law was passed banning all gambling. More precisely, it was a grey area – sort of forbidden but with many loopholes. For a long time, the casinos worked in the shadows because gambling was often disguised as instant lotteries.
What made Ukraine so unique, until recently, is the fact that they had no comprehensive gaming law, where most other areas of Eastern Europe did. This meant that there were many gambling operators that were not regulated. Ukraine officials worked over time, beginning in 2009, to put news into effect so that the gambling industry can be watched more carefully, cutting down on crime. New laws are make it necessary for establishments to obtain a license to do business.
Today, the new law on gambling legitimizes the main types of gambling. Specifically, casinos, online casinos, betting shops, including online, slot-machine parlours and online poker can now operate legally, provided that they meet all the requirements.
They also have two major lotteries as well as many other smaller lottery games from which to choose.
