In a decisive move to curb illegal online gambling activities, Ukraine’s gambling regulatory body has implemented stringent measures by blocking access to several websites that were operating without proper licenses. This action reflects the regulator’s ongoing commitment to enforce gambling laws and ensure a safe and regulated environment for gamers.

Enforcement Action and Regulatory Compliance

According to the information about requirements to block access to illegal websites published on the Ukrainian Gambling Authority’s (KRAIL) website, it identified and subsequently restricted access to multiple online gambling sites that were found to be in violation of the country’s legal requirements. These sites were operating illegally, without the necessary licensing and regulatory compliance, posing significant risks to consumers and undermining the legal gambling ecosystem.

The move comes as part of a broader strategy to regulate the gambling sector more effectively. The regulator has been vigilant in monitoring online activities and taking necessary actions against entities that fail to adhere to the legal standards set by the Ukrainian government. This crackdown not only helps control unauthorized gambling but also reinforces the integrity and fairness of the gambling industry in Ukraine.

Impact on the Gambling Landscape

The regulatory actions are expected to significantly impact the online gambling landscape in Ukraine. By blocking access to illegal sites, the regulator is not only protecting consumers from potential fraud and other related risks but also ensuring that the legal gambling market thrives in a controlled and fair manner. This is crucial for developing a sustainable gambling industry that contributes positively to the economy.

Moreover, these measures serve as a deterrent to other potential violators who might consider operating outside the legal frameworks. The clear message from the regulator is that compliance with gambling laws is mandatory, and any deviation will be dealt with strictly.

Looking Forward: Regulatory Enhancements and Challenges

As the Ukrainian gambling regulator continues to enhance its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, the challenges of dealing with an increasingly digital and interconnected gambling environment remain. The authority is committed to adapting its strategies to effectively manage these challenges and to continue its efforts in safeguarding the interests of legal operators and the gaming public.

The ongoing regulatory enhancements are part of a comprehensive approach to govern the gambling industry, focusing on transparency, fairness, and consumer protection. With these robust measures, Ukraine aims to establish itself as a model for effective gambling regulation, promoting a healthy and responsible gaming culture.

Source:

Ukraine blocks more illegal sites as self-exclusion register surges 139%, igamingbusiness.com, July 15, 2024.

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The Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), Ukraine’s gambling regulator, has taken decisive action against illegal gambling activities in the country. Recently, KRAIL blocked 371 websites offering illegal gambling services as part of a joint effort with the Security Service of Ukraine. This move was formalized through Order No. 451/2256, which targeted the domain names of these unauthorized gambling sites.

The order mandates electronic communication service providers to block the specified websites using their Domain Name System (DNS) servers. Between April and May, KRAIL and the Security Service issued over 1,000 orders to restrict access to various domain names and subdomains on DNS servers, further intensifying the crackdown on illegal gambling operations.

Uncertainty Over KRAIL’s Future

KRAIL’s recent actions come at a time when the future of the regulator is in question. In April, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, voted to dissolve KRAIL after more than a year of contention over its effectiveness in regulating the gambling industry. The opposition to KRAIL’s operation stemmed from dissatisfaction with its regulatory performance, particularly its delays in processing license applications.

KRAIL is currently composed of a collegial body with a chairman and six members. Meetings are only valid if at least five members are present. However, some commission members were mobilized for military service following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, causing significant delays in regulatory processes, including the issuance of licenses.

The legislative bill that includes KRAIL’s dissolution also proposes stricter measures on gambling advertising and other regulatory controls. This bill is set for a second reading, and if passed, it will become law upon the signature of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Future of Gambling Regulation in Ukraine

Should KRAIL be dissolved, the responsibility for regulating gambling will be transferred to the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Alina Plyushch, a partner at Kyiv-based law firm Sayenko Kharenko, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the future structure of gambling regulation. “This is pending a further government decision on the creation of a new regulator under the digital transformation ministry’s umbrella,” Plyushch said.

She also noted the possibility that the Ministry of Digital Transformation might retain regulatory functions indefinitely. The exact duration and structure of this transitional regulatory framework remain unclear, leaving the future of Ukraine’s gambling industry in a state of flux.

As KRAIL continues its efforts to combat illegal gambling, the impending legislative changes pose significant questions about the long-term regulatory landscape for gambling in Ukraine. The outcome of the legislative process and subsequent government decisions will determine the next steps for ensuring a well-regulated and compliant gambling market in the country.

Source:

“КРАІЛ про обмеження доступу до 371 вебсайту, через які надавався доступ до нелегальних азартних ігор”. The Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL). June 5, 2024.

Ukraine regulator blocks 371 illegal gambling sites. iGaming Business. June 6, 2024.

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The Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Cyprus has strongly refuted allegations that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had acquired a casino in Kyrenia. In an official statement, the embassy characterized these reports as “another lie” intended to discredit Ukraine and its leadership and to create diplomatic friction between Kyiv and Nicosia.

Ukraine Blamed Russian Hybrid Warfare

Rumors have been circulating that President Zelensky is the new owner of the Vuni Palace Casino and Hotel, a prominent establishment in Kyrenia, Cyprus. The embassy decisively denied these claims, asserting that “Russian propaganda is spreading a false story” and emphasizing the absence of any credible evidence to support these allegations.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed the stance of the Ukrainian embassy, remarking that no evidence has surfaced to corroborate the claims regarding Zelensky’s involvement in the casino purchase. These two supporting claims should be enough to refute the accusations, especially considering the initial report regarding the alleged casino purchase did not contain concrete evidence.

This false information is yet another lie aimed at discrediting Ukraine and its leadership in the eyes of the world community.

Embassy of Ukraine

The embassy also underscored that the spread of this false information likely aimed to strain diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Cyprus. While the embassy did not have any direct evidence of Russian involvement, misinformation campaigns against Ukraine have been increasingly common. They urged the public and media professionals to rely on credible sources and remain alert against “manipulation and propaganda.” 

The Original Report Was Based on a Fake Website

The contentious report originated from the Turkish website OdaTV and was then picked up by various pro-Kremlin social media outlets. The article alleged that while Western nations were supplying Ukraine with financial and military support, Zelensky had diverted his focus to the casino industry, neglecting the needs of his country to pursue personal pleasures. 

OdaTV claimed that a company named “Film Heritage Inc.,” registered in Belize and supposedly owned by Zelensky acquired the Vuni Palace Casino Hotel in early May 2024. However, a closer investigation revealed that the property’s supposed website containing this information was fake. The casino hotel’s genuine webpage does not mention this deal, and its owners confirmed they have not sold the property.

While Vuni Palace Casino Hotel has reportedly stopped accepting reservations as of 27 May, according to Booking.com, the mounting evidence against OdaTV’s claims means the rumor is almost certainly false. This case highlights the need for proper media hygiene, especially considering the ongoing media misinformation campaign surrounding the Ukraine crisis.

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Ukraine is on the offensive once again with the Ukrainian Prosecutor’s General Office launching a new investigation into online gambling platforms that have been operating illegally and are tied to Russia.

At the onset of the 2022 war, which Russia declared on its neighbor, Ukraine sought to stem the tide of cash outflow that could be fueling the aggressor’s warm machine.

Gambling sites with ties to the Russian Federation were an immediate target of Ukrainian efforts to root out illegal gambling in the country, and the latest identified but unnamed websites are among those.

Gambling Is Important for Ukraine’s National Security

Parimatch, a prominent platform, was mistakenly caught in the crossfire. Luckily, Parimatch was removed from the Presidential list of banned gambling companies later on. The new allegations levelled against Russian-based individuals and illegal platforms though will stay.

Ukraine has not shied away from levelling accusations against individual operators, and most recently in February, the country went after Cosmolot, accusing the platform of tax evasion.

The Office also outlined some of the steps that have already been taken to combat illegal gambling in the country with more than 2,500 illegal gambling sites blocked since last year, as reported previously. Right now, 450 criminal offenses are related to illegal gambling as well.

Gambling Encroaching on Military Capabilities

The country is also going after individuals whom it suspects of wrongdoing related to illegal gambling. Meanwhile, the military has had its fair share of problems with gambling and gambling-related harm.

Apart from undermining the country’s war-waging capabilities, gambling within the army has also taken a toll on the mental health of soldiers.

The Verkhovna Rada has now issued a ban on gambling in the army, with lawmakers worried about the problem as well and how it might reflect on the battlefield. Efforts to curb the spreading of illegal and irresponsible gambling have been well underway.

In the meantime, the country has also benefited from the regulated gambling sector, with online gambling outpacing expectations and generating a steady stream of tax revenue for the state coffers.

All of this is happening at a time of intensified interest in the gambling market in Ukraine. So much so that the country approved 150 new licenses in early April. Yet, there have been some headwinds as well, including the proposed dissolution of the state regulator, KRAIL, which has been deemed unfit to carry out its duties.

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The collection of taxes on gambling activities helps deliver a valuable stream of revenue for governments across the globe. Such tax revenue can be dedicated toward educational programs or contribute to the treatment, support and research of problem gambling. Besides the land-based gambling sector, amid the popularity of online gambling activities, iGaming operators also contribute significantly to tax revenue.

Now, judging by reports from local media outlets, Ukraine considers reinstating its 18% tax on turnover, applicable to online gambling and betting operators. Reportedly, the chair of the country’s parliamentary Finance Committee, Danylo Hetmantsev, confirmed the return of the turnover tax on Thursday.

The announcement reportedly came via Telegram and it is expected to help raise valuable revenue. The chair of the Finance Committee reportedly said that the reinstatement of the 18% tax on the turnover of online casino operators is expected to bring some UAH 1.5 billion or $41 million in revenue for a fiscal year.

Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a Ukrainian MP, issued further details regarding the 18% tax rate. He explained that this 18% tax will target the turnover of the online casino and betting companies, not their revenue. It is yet to be seen how licensed operators in the country will respond to the 18% online gambling tax.

Only recently, the leading iGaming, sports and esports betting operator, GG.Bet, announced it expanded its presence to Ukraine. This week, the company revealed that it secured the necessary licenses to launch its offering in the country, complementing its European growth after its recent launch in the United Kingdom.

Elsewhere in Ukraine, law enforcement recently raided eight illegal gambling dens. Early in June, raids within the Kyiv region were conducted, the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU) revealed.

The raids resulted in the shutdown of eight illegal gambling locations. In the process, there was seized gambling equipment along with UAH 100,000 ($2,700). The operation was conducted by the ESBU, in collaboration with Kyiv’s regional department of Internal Security and the National Police of Ukraine.

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Ukraine has been at war with its belligerent neighbor which illegitimately invaded the country in February 2022. The events ever since have been well-documented, with the United Kingdom taking the side of the victim.

William Hill Committed to Helping Ukraine

Now, William Hill wants to do its part and the company has vowed to donate 100% of its Eurovision profits to support displaced Ukrainian families. All bets placed on the contest through William Hill are going to be contributed to the Support Ukraine initiative, which is buying toys, staple foods, humanitarian aid for the displaced families, and more.

Commenting on this decision, William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps has said that the company is committed to helping relieve the distress of millions of Ukrainians who have had their worlds upside down.

The Eurovision Contest was originally planned for Kyiv in 2023, but this is no longer going to be possible due to the ongoing war. “We must not forget the disasters Ukrainians are still battling through, and the continued support Ukrainians require both in their home country and for those who have sought refuge here in the UK,” Phelps added.

A spokesperson for the initiative said that Ukrainians were immensely grateful for the kind welcome they received from the UK and British people. The initiative’s representative expressed gratitude for William Hill’s decision.

Support Ukraine Thanks William Hill for Kindness

“We are especially thankful to William Hill for their fantastic gesture to donate all profits from betting on the event to our cause. We are deeply touched,” they said. It’s not yet clear what the expected size of the donation would be, but William Hill is going to confirm a final sum on Monday.

Support Ukraine has been growing over the past months, with the charity eliciting more donations over the past months and assisting Ukrainians seeking refuge in London. The organizaiton has been donating food, toys, and humanitarian supplies, and even seeking to dispatch necessities to those still in Ukraine who live in the border regions of the Russian offensive, or de-occupied territories, and need different supplies.

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KRAIL, the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, has said that it has been able to shut down more than 1,000 illegal gambling sites. The regulator said that it had a list of 1,895 unlicensed operators that continued to target citizens in the country, with the majority of those websites now restricted.

Illegal Gambling Sites Dropping Like Flies

However, 727 websites are still in operation and continue to find loopholes to provide Ukrainians with gambling products. KRAIL though is stepping up its effort to bring these websites to a halt, with the regulator working closely with a number of enforcement agencies to succeed. Some operators, though, have been elusive, and continue to brand their products as legitimate offerings in the market.

They have been aggressively hosting mirror websites to try and continue to squeeze out profit from residents in the country. KRAIL has called on the government and various divisions of the judiciary and law enforcement to pool their efforts and crack down on such rogue operations through better coordination.

The regulator will continue to use all available solutions and seek further assistance from relevant authorities to ensure that illegal gambling is restricted. The war that Russia waged on Ukraine in February and that has been ongoing has been a test for the regulator’s ability to operate.

Bad Actors Need to Go, More Coordination Underway

Many bad actors from Russia tried to target vulnerable Ukrainians with casino websites intended to siphon off more money from the country. Such websites have been swiftly hindered, but many still remain.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, recently issued a blocking order for a number of gambling websites in Ukraine, attempting to target even more operators that the country has deemed to be a threat to its citizens and national security.

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PokerMatch International has released an official commentary on the sanctions against PokerMatch Ukraine. The company’s Ukrainian subsidiary was included in a list of companies that were sanctioned for alleged ties with Russia.

PokerMatch Ukraine was one of 287 companies and 120 individuals that were just sanctioned by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Despite regretting the decision, PokerMatch International said that it doesn’t expect the sanction to impact its global business.

We would like to inform our partners that these sanctions have no impact on the international operations of the PokerMatch brand. The company is not abandoning its plans to develop new regions and continues to provide its existing customers with a full range of services, including fulfilling all its commitments.

PokerMatch International statement

PokerMatch Has Done a Lot to Develop Poker in Ukraine

PokerMatch said that it believes the inclusion of its partner in the sanctions list is a mistake since the PokerMatch brand was one of the first gambling companies to block the accounts of Russian players. In addition, the company said, it was also one of the first companies to block all assets of Russians across its platforms. Lastly, PokerMatch terminated its existing partnerships with Russian companies.

In addition to sanctioning Russia, PokerMatch also helped Ukraine by donating to the Ukrainian army and suffering families.

PokerMatch International continued by pointing out that it played a key role in the revival of sports poker in the Eastern European country. In addition, the poker brand helped Ukraine’s National sports poker team take part in the world sports poker championship in Dublin – an event from which it emerged victorious.

The global poker brand also pointed out that it has supported the opening of numerous clubs in Ukraine.

PokerMatch Hopes Ukraine Will Change Its Mind

PokerMatch International reasserted that it is “devoted” to Ukraine and its people and hopes that the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine will rethink its stance.

We have no doubt that the honest name of the partner will be protected by all available legal means and the state will change its position in relation to the company, devoted to Ukraine.

PokerMatch International statement

Despite everything, PokerMatch congratulated Ukraine on protecting its people from Russian influence amid the ongoing war. The poker company admitted that this demanding undertaking isn’t mistakeproof. However, PokerMatch reasserted that it hopes Ukraine would be open to dialogue and fixing its alleged mistake.

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The tournament is slated for Saturday, April 8 and will get underway at 11 am local time in Coco Poker. The event will have a $200 buy-in and a prize pool of guaranteed $10,000. Participants and guests may also expect special bounties, which the tournament organizers confirm.

Poker Can Help the Ukrainian Relief Effort

Registration will begin on April 8 at 9 am in Coco Poker and the event expects a good turn up. Coco Poker is a smoke-free location, which currently hosts 30 tables and is one of South Florida’s best private luxury private salons.

Commenting on this opportunity, Seminole Gaming CEO, chairman of Hard Rock International, and chairman of Hard Rock Digital, Jim Allen, said that the organization was adamant to demonstrate its support for the victims of the war in Ukraine.

Allen said that the tournament would seek to offer help to thousands of people who are fleeing the war, or have been displaced or otherwise denied basic services and goods. Ukrainian children and families have been injured or suffered severely financially, Allen explained. He similarly said that the death toll was even more devastating.

The tournament is just part of the relief efforts that have been going on for a while now, with organizations and representatives of the gambling industry raising considerable funds to assist Ukraine. Meanwhile, in the country itself, President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a new decree with which he stamped out a number of gambling sites, issuing a 50-year ban against at least 120 companies and 280 individuals.

Zelensky alleges that these companies and people have been working to secure the interests of Russia or preyed on the Ukrainian people through the launch of illegitimate gambling products. Interestingly, at least one of the companies that was banned had been known to raise money for Ukraine.

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