Ukraine’s gambling harm strategy receives Cabinet of Ministers approval
The strategy outlines a programme of awareness, treatment and enforcement measures for the next nine years.
Ukraine.- The Ministry of Digital Transformation has reported that the Cabinet of Ministers has approved Ukraine’s Strategy for Countering Gambling Addiction to 2035. The document outlines state policy on preventing gambling addiction, supporting people with addiction and combating illegal gambling.
The strategy is intended to unify the efforts of various government agencies along with health and educational institutions and law enforcement. There will be nationwide awareness campaigns on the risks of gambling, including classes on the dangers of gambling addiction in schools.
The strategy also outlines a focus on detecting early warning signs of gambling addiction and on highlighting factors that may contribute to its development. The government will expand access to treatment, psychological support and rehabilitation options, while special support programmes will be developed to focus specifically on the needs of military personnel and veterans. The ministry recently announced a tender for the development of a system to prevent military personnel from gambling in Ukraine.
Another prong in Ukraine’s Strategy for Countering Gambling Addiction will be more efforts to block illegal gambling websites and unlawful advertising. Law enforcement agencies are expected to step up efforts to combat gambling-related crime.
Close to 40 government agencies will be involved in the implementation of the strategy. As well as the Ministry of Digital Transformation itself, these include the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Social Policy, Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Veterans Affairs. The Security Service of Ukraine, Bureau of Economic Security, National Police and the national gambling regulator PlayCity will also play a role.
It’s estimated that Ukrainians spent nearly UAH 400m (€7.7m) a day on online casinos in 2023. The total monthly spending exceeded UAH 12bn (€231.4m).
