Ukraine blocks 2,500 illegal gambling sites in new crackdown effort

Ukraine’s prosecutor general's office, in tandem with law enforcement, has intensified its crackdown efforts against illegal gambling, announcing the blocking of 2,500 websites hosting unlicensed gambling content.

According to a report by the prosecutor general’s office, the major crackdown is underway, with over 450 suspected illegal gambling offenses under investigation as of April 2024. Indictments have been forwarded to court, with charges against 72 individuals, including seven indictments involving 68 members of criminal groups.

In 2023 alone, the prosecutor general’s office reported 169 registered illegal gambling offenses. During the same period, 52 indictments involving 97 individuals were brought before the court.

The authorities seized over 7,000 pieces of equipment, including computers last year, and conducted about 500 searches and 700 address reviews. Ten casinos faced suspension, and indictments were filed against 42 individuals associated with criminal groups.

Moreover, ongoing investigations target a pre-trial investigation into an unnamed sanctioned legal entity suspected of conducting illegal gambling activities in collaboration with an international operator’s office. The entity allegedly operated under the control of Russian Federation citizens.

The prosecutor general’s office also disclosed its involvement in guiding proceedings against companies accused of operating illegal online casinos, with particular emphasis on cases involving the legalization of funds amounting to UAH4.8 billion ($120.9 million) from illicit online gambling activities.

This crackdown follows recent legislative measures taken by Ukraine’s parliament, Verkhovna Rada, including the decision to dissolve the country’s gambling regulator KRAIL. On April 24, 272 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill that proposed the removal of KRAIL. 

The Draft Law No 9256, which also proposes additional measures such as new safeguarding tools for vulnerable individuals and a ban on advertisements, awaits a second reading and presidential approval to become law.