Ukraine blocks 11 unlicensed casino sites as self-exclusion registrations surge

In an ongoing effort to combat unregulated gambling, Ukraine's gambling commission has blocked 11 more unlicensed online casino sites. This action coincides with a significant increase in entries to the national self-exclusion register during the first half of 2024.

During a meeting held on July 10, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) disclosed that the number of individuals self-excluding from gambling had surged by 139% from the end of 2023. As of July 1, the register recorded 7,874 self-excluded players, up by 4,585 from last year.

The commission noted that men made up 87% of these new registrations. Additionally, 41 individuals were added to the list through applications submitted by their relatives.

Moreover, KRAIL has mandated that electronic communication service providers block access to 11 unlicensed casino websites through their Domain Name System (DNS) servers within three days.

The targeted sites are 888starz.bet, Cosmobet.one, Astekbet.com, Vulkan-777.biz, F1casino.club, Bettwo.fun, Stake.ceo, Roobet.com, Casino-joker-20.com, Clubsvulkanbets.store, and Chipstars.bet. The commission labeled these operations as "gross violations of current legislation in the field of gambling."

Cloudflare Inc. and Melbikomas UAB, hosting providers for Cosmobet and Astekbet respectively, were specifically highlighted in the commission's directive. Owners of the sites were mandated to close access to them within three working days.

KRAIL's actions in June led to the blocking of up to 371 websites offering illegal gambling services in Ukraine. Between April and May, more than 1,000 orders were issued to restrict access to various domain names and subdomains on DNS servers. These measures are part of a broader collaboration between KRAIL and Ukraine’s Security Service aimed at curbing illegal gambling activities.

Despite a parliamentary vote in April to dissolve KRAIL, the commission appears to continue to function normally. The decision to dissolve KRAIL came amid persistent opposition to the regulator's efficacy. Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov had previously submitted a proposal for its dissolution in May 2023, citing prolonged delays in the issuance of gambling licenses.