A recent survey indicates that an overwhelming majority of online casino players in Ukraine prefer to use licensed operators. This study, commissioned by Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and carried out by the SOCIOINFORM Sociological Centre, took place between May 19 and June 26, 2026, involving 2,676 online casino users via an online interview methodology.
Published this week, the survey reveals that 86% of respondents favor licensed online casinos, while 78% have no plans to switch to unlicensed gambling sites. However, informal gambling remains a concern, as one in five players admitted to knowing friends who gamble on illegal platforms. The main reasons for using these unlicensed sites include quick and easy registration without identity verification (33%), the appeal of anonymity (17%), and the absence of restrictions (16%).
In terms of demographics, participants in the online casino market were generally middle-income, educated Ukrainians. The report shows that 42% of them have higher education, and 38% have completed secondary specialized education. Most of the respondents fall within a middle-income range, with 31% earning between 11,000 and 30,000 hryvnias monthly, while 25% make between 31,000 and 50,000 hryvnias.
The survey also indicates a significant gambling experience, with many players starting before the market became liberalized. The sample consisted primarily of male players, accounting for 73%. Among male respondents, 20% reported over a decade of gambling experience as opposed to 5% of female participants, who represented 27% of the total sample.
Curiosity and excitement are the primary motivations for online casino engagement, with 40% of respondents citing these reasons. Another 21% gamble to escape from daily routines, while promotions inspire 20% of players. Other reasons include the desire to win money (17%) and social encouragement (14%).
While most players (59%) describe their gambling as controlled and recreational, 35% acknowledged that it can sometimes become uncontrollable. Around 25% admitted to chasing losses, and a similar number confessed to spending more than they intended. Notably, 9% indicated that gambling has caused serious financial or personal issues.
These findings contrast with PlayCity's earlier nationwide study, where 70% identified monetary gain as their primary motive for gambling, based on a sample of 3,164 adults, including key demographic groups like young people and military personnel.
The survey results are shaping governmental policy initiatives, particularly the Ministry’s strategy to combat gambling addiction, which aims to run through 2035. This strategy focuses on prevention, responsible gambling practices, early risk detection, and support for affected individuals.
Despite progress, the study revealed gaps in knowledge regarding responsible gambling tools. Although 64% of participants were aware that such measures exist, fewer were familiar with specific options, like self-control features (about two-thirds) and setting time and spending limits (40%). Alarmingly, just 13% knew they could access their gaming statistics, and 10% were aware of the national Register of Persons with Restricted Access to Gambling.
In trust towards public institutions that regulate gambling, responses were mixed. Just over half (53%) felt that the sector is adequately regulated, and trust in the Ministry of Digital Transformation and PlayCity was reported at 44%. Only 22% were well-informed about the roles of these institutions. PlayCity has recently completed its first year as Ukraine’s gambling regulator, issuing 250 licenses to operators and announcing a crackdown on illegal gambling by establishing communication channels with the social platform Kick, aimed at swiftly removing content related to unlicensed gambling.
