A government-commissioned survey has indicated that a significant majority of online casino gamers in Ukraine now favor licensed operators. Conducted by the SOCIOINFORM Sociological Centre on behalf of Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation, the survey took place between May 19 and June 26, 2026, and was released on Wednesday.
The study, which involved 2,676 online casino users through a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) methodology, built on a previous population-wide phase published by PlayCity, Ukraine's state regulator for gambling.
The findings revealed that 86% of participants prefer licensed online casinos, while 78% expressed no desire to turn to unlicensed, illegal operators. Nonetheless, informal gambling remains a reality; 20% of players reported being aware of friends who gamble on unlicensed sites. The primary motivations for using these illegal platforms were quick registration without identity verification (33%), the expectation of anonymity (17%), and the absence of restrictions (16%).
In terms of demographics, the audience for online casinos reflects a middle-income, educated segment of the Ukrainian population. Among participants, 42% had attained higher education and 38% had completed secondary specialized education. Monthly earnings varied, with 31% earning between 11,000 and 30,000 hryvnias, while 25% fell into the 31,000 to 50,000 hryvnias range.
The group also displayed considerable gambling experience, with many participants starting their activities before the liberalization of Ukraine's gambling market. Notably, the sample was predominantly male, comprising 73%, with 20% of men reporting over a decade of gambling experience compared to 5% of women. Female respondents represented 27% of the total.
Among the motivations for online gambling, 40% cited curiosity and excitement, while 21% engaged in it as a distraction from daily life. Promotions attracted 20% of players, with 17% being motivated by a desire to win money, and 14% by social encouragement. Most respondents, 59%, described their gambling as controlled and recreational; however, 35% admitted that their gambling could occasionally become uncontrollable. Additionally, around 25% reported frequently chasing losses, and about the same percentage indicated they had spent over their intended budget. Approximately 9% recognized that gambling had caused serious personal or financial issues.
These findings stand in contrast to PlayCity’s earlier nationwide survey, where 70% indicated monetary gain as their main motivation for gambling. That study involved 3,164 adults and included representative groups such as young people and military personnel.
The current survey results are shaping governmental strategies, including the Ministry's Strategy to Combat Gambling Addiction through 2035, which focuses on prevention, early detection of risk behaviors, and support services for those affected.
However, awareness of responsible gaming tools among players is lacking. While 64% acknowledged the existence of such measures, far fewer were familiar with specific options. About two-thirds were aware of self-control features, and 40% were knowledgeable about setting time and spending limits. Only 13% were aware they could access their gaming statistics, while 11% understood the minimum legal gambling age. A mere 10% knew about the national Register of Persons with Restricted Access to Gambling, and fewer than 10% were informed about bans on certain bonus schemes or addiction support services.
The report also highlights mixed trust levels among players regarding public institutions overseeing gambling regulations. Just over half (53%) believed the sector was adequately regulated. Trust in the Ministry of Digital Transformation and PlayCity was recorded at 44%, with only 22% of respondents fully aware of their roles and responsibilities, while 30% had a basic understanding.
As Ukraine’s gambling regulator, PlayCity has issued 250 licenses to various operators, lotteries, and suppliers during its first year. The regulator's recent initiatives include tightening regulations on illegal gambling and establishing communication lines with social media platform Kick to expedite the removal of content related to unlicensed gambling.
