Ukrainian authorities restrict access to 433 illegal gambling websites

The Ukrainian Gambling Commission, in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), has mandated the blocking of 433 illegal gambling websites. This action is part of ongoing efforts to combat unregulated online gambling operations in the country.

On May 23, the National Center for Operational and Technical Management of Telecommunications Networks of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine issued Order No. 415/2220, requiring providers of electronic communication services to block access to these domains using their recursive DNS servers, according to the Ukrainian News agency.

This follows a previous directive from April 18, initiated by the Gambling Commission and the SSU, which instructed providers to limit access to over 500 domain names and their subdomains involved in illegal gambling activities.

The Gambling Commission's efforts against unregulated gambling have intensified as of late, with access to a total of 580 illegal gambling websites being restricted earlier this year.

Moreover, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has recently introduced a complete ban on gambling games and bookmakers' advertising. The measure will be valid until the adoption of a new law combatting gambling addiction, which is currently being considered by the Ukrainian parliament. 

According to the announcement, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted amendments to the "Some issues of countering the negative consequences caused by gambling games operation on the Internet" resolution that restricts where gambling operators and bookmakers may advertise in the country.