The Ukrainian government has taken a significant step in addressing gambling addiction by approving its first comprehensive strategy aimed at combating this issue. This initiative includes a three-year operational plan that will run from 2027 to 2029.
On August 26, 2026, the cabinet of ministers formalized the strategy through Order No. 855‑r, which directs approximately 40 public agencies to collaborate in efforts to mitigate the social and economic harms of gambling by the year 2035. In this strategy, the government has recognized gambling addiction as not just a public health issue but also a pressing national security concern, prompting a coordinated government response. A recent study indicated that 75% of respondents viewed gambling as a serious problem facing Ukraine.
This new approach marks a shift from previous uncoordinated efforts, integrating the work of health services, education, defence, social services, and the gambling regulator, PlayCity, under the Ministry of Digital Transformation. A joint framework will guide this collaborative implementation and oversight.
The strategy outlines five key objectives, which include promoting healthy lifestyles, expanding timely treatment and support for individuals struggling with gambling disorders, and fostering responsible gaming practices. It aims to tackle the illegal gambling market through various measures and to develop a system for monitoring and evaluating these efforts.
The operational plan specifies detailed actions, responsible parties, and deadlines for the years 2027 to 2029. Planned initiatives include a nationwide public awareness campaign, incorporating gambling risk education into school curriculums, and routine health screenings to identify problem gambling early. Additionally, it seeks to improve access to psychological treatment and rehabilitation services, particularly for military personnel and veterans who may be especially vulnerable.
Efforts will also include systematically blocking illegal gambling sites and advertising, with annual progress reports to be managed by the Ministry of Digital Transformation starting in 2028.
The strategy highlights the relationship between gambling addiction and the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating that the conflict has intensified vulnerable populations' tendencies toward harmful behaviors like gambling. Focus groups for this initiative will include armed forces, veterans, young people, and those from socioeconomically underprivileged backgrounds. Recently, regulatory measures have been introduced to prevent military personnel from accessing online gambling platforms.
Regarding the existing gambling landscape, as of January 1, Ukraine’s regulated market consisted of 34 licensed operators conducting business through casinos, gaming halls, online platforms, poker, and sports betting. Despite this regulation, illegal gambling remains a substantial issue, with PlayCity reporting the discovery of 2,844 unlicensed gambling websites between June and December 2025. This number equates to about 113 illegal websites for each licensed operator, alongside 76 unlicensed venues flagged to the State Bureau for Economic Security.
Independent research cited in the strategy suggests that between 39% to 53% of gambling activities occur within the unregulated sector. However, a recent survey conducted for the Ministry of Transformation found that 86% of 2,676 respondents preferred licensed online casinos, and 78% indicated they would not switch to illegal operators. Notably, one in five players mentioned knowing friends who gamble on unlicensed sites, with motivations including easy registration without identity checks (33%), the appeal of anonymity (17%), and the absence of restrictions (16%).
Despite the scale of gambling activities, diagnoses of pathological gambling remain low. Data indicates that only 308 patients have been formally diagnosed under ICD-10 F63.0, with fewer than 100 individuals receiving treatment annually through the national medical guarantees program.
