The government’s 2023 action program includes a set of proposals from the Ukrainian regulator, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries. These include a reform of laws governing the suspension and cancellation of licenses of gambling operators.
The 2023 government action plan was approved by the Council of Ministers of Ukraine on March 14, and includes over 500 priority government actions for the year. This list contains a variety of draft laws, resolutions, and other projects. The government stated that it will use the list to organize its approach to policy for the next year.
Process reform
A draft law that will be submitted to Rada, the country’s legislative organ, is one of the many proposals. It concerns procedures for suspending operator licenses during martial laws and the formal steps to review these measures after the martial law has been cancelled.
It also prohibits the use of Ukrainian gambling brands owned by residents from aggressor states. Additionally, the law creates processes that could suspend gaming operator licences if they offer games of chance on any territory in Ukraine occupied by hostile foreign forces.
State capacity increases
A draft law is also proposed by the regulator that would improve the capacity of the country in gaming regulation. This proposal will strengthen the existing procedures for suspending, renewing or cancelling licenses; create a new framework to inspect and certify gaming equipment and improve the effectiveness of state supervision.
This law will also strengthen legal mechanisms to minimize problem gambling, increase state revenues and combat the illegal market. It will also improve the mechanisms for implementing investment activity into the country’s casino market.
Parimatch suspension
The Russian Federation’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine has prompted the reform of the country’s gambling system. Ukraine quickly suspended the licenses of operators operating in Russian-occupied territory or Russian-occupied territories.
Sporting betting operator Parimatch was this month the victim of government sanctions. The operator vigorously denied the charges.
