The President signed a law on the liquidation of KRAIL and strengthening control over the gambling market
The President of Ukraine signed draft law No. 9256d (Draft of the Law on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine for the Purpose of Combating Gambling Addiction (Ludomania) and Improving State Regulation of Activities Regarding the Organization and Conduct of Gambling Games and Lotteries), which introduces large-scale changes in the regulation of the gambling business. About this testifies document card.
The draft law, approved by the Verkhovna Rada on December 4, 2024, provides for the liquidation of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) and the creation of a new authorized body that will be responsible for supervision in this area. By April 1, 2025, a ministry that will shape gambling and lottery policy must be appointed.
The initiators of the draft law are Danylo Hetmantsev, Victoria Kinzburska, Halyna Vasylchenko, Yaroslav Zheleznyak and others.
The regulatory document introduces a number of restrictions and rules to increase transparency and accountability in the gambling market. Gambling advertising is now prohibited, with the exception of late-night television and radio, media aimed at over-21 audiences, and internet platforms targeting the same age group. Advertisements are prohibited from using images of military personnel, volunteers, popular figures, and war-related themes.
Licensing in this area has also become more stringent. Persons or companies that have tax debts, financial ties with the aggressor country or use its brands will not be able to obtain a license. All financial settlements in gambling are now allowed only through bank accounts, which makes it impossible to use other payment services. It is forbidden to accept bids on credit or on deferred payment terms. In addition, the law imposes strict restrictions on bonus offers, sponsorships (with the exception of sports) and other marketing activities.
Lotteries are now regulated by the same rules as gambling. They are subject to strict requirements regarding the reputation of officials, the absence of tax debts and ties to the aggressor country. Licensing of foreign companies with relevant experience is allowed in the field of lotteries. Mechanisms of “control purchases” with video recording are being introduced to control compliance with requirements.
The law also provides for the introduction of limits on spending and playing time, mandatory breaks for players, as well as strengthening the fight against illegal gambling platforms. It is expected that the innovations will help create a transparent gambling market, minimize the risks of social harm and ensure effective control over this sphere.
