A recent survey conducted in Ukraine has indicated that a significant majority of online casino players in the country favor licensed operators. This study, commissioned by Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and conducted by the SOCIOINFORM Sociological Centre from May 19 to June 26, 2026, underscores substantial channelisation within the market. The findings are pivotal as they suggest a strong preference for legal platforms amidst ongoing regulatory developments and efforts to combat illegal gambling practices.
The survey, encompassing responses from 2,676 online casino users through a Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) methodology, revealed that 86% of participants prefer licensed online casinos. Furthermore, 78% expressed no intention of transitioning to unlicensed platforms. Nonetheless, some degree of informal gambling persists, with 20% of respondents knowing individuals who engage with unlicensed sites. Common reasons cited for using illegal platforms included ease of registration without identity verification, anonymity, and the absence of restrictions.
The demographic profile of survey participants predominantly includes middle-income, educated Ukrainians. Approximately 42% have attained higher education, and 38% possess secondary specialized education. Income levels largely fall within the middle range, with 31% earning between 11,000 and 30,000 hryvnias monthly and 25% between 31,000 and 50,000 hryvnias. The survey sample showed a strong male dominance at 73%, with a significant portion reporting over ten years of gambling experience, compared to 5% among female participants, who represented 27% of the total sample.
Motivations for engaging in online gambling were diverse. Around 40% participated out of curiosity and excitement, and 21% did so as a distraction from daily life. Promotions motivated 20% of respondents, while 17% aimed to win money, and 14% were influenced by social encouragement. Despite 59% describing their gambling as controlled and recreational, 35% admitted to losing control at times, with 6% experiencing frequent issues. Nearly a quarter of participants reported chasing losses, and a similar proportion admitted to overspending. Approximately 9% faced severe financial, familial, or personal difficulties due to gambling.
These insights contrast with findings from PlayCity’s initial nationwide study, which highlighted monetary gain as the primary motivation for 70% of gamblers. The earlier study included a diverse sample of 3,164 adults, covering key demographic groups such as young people, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and military personnel.
The recent survey’s findings have informed Ukraine’s governmental policy initiatives, including the Ministry’s Strategy to Combat Gambling Addiction through 2035. The strategy prioritizes prevention, responsible gaming, early risk detection, behavioral monitoring, and support services. However, the survey also exposed gaps in awareness about responsible-gaming tools. While 64% were aware of such tools generally, specific knowledge was lacking: two-thirds knew of self-control features, 40% about setting time and spending limits, but only 13% knew how to access gaming statistics. Additionally, awareness of the national Register of Persons with Restricted Access to Gambling was notably low, with less than 10% informed about certain bans and addiction support institutions.
Respondents exhibited mixed levels of trust in public institutions regulating gambling. Slightly over half (53%) believed the sector is adequately regulated. Trust in the Ministry of Digital Transformation and PlayCity, Ukraine’s gambling regulator, stood at 44%, with 22% being well-informed of their roles and 30% somewhat familiar.
PlayCity, completing its first year as Ukraine’s gambling regulator, has issued 250 licenses to operators, lotteries, and suppliers. The regulator has announced initiatives to curb illegal gambling, including establishing communication channels with the social platform Kick to expedite the removal of content promoting unlicensed gambling activities, as operators and streamers increasingly use social media to reach Ukrainian audiences.
Looking forward, the implementation of the Ministry’s strategy will be critical in further shaping the market. The focus will likely remain on enhancing regulatory compliance and promoting responsible gambling practices, with ongoing efforts to raise awareness and understanding among players. The effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on continued monitoring and collaboration between regulators, operators, and industry stakeholders to address the challenges posed by both legal and illegal gambling activities in Ukraine.
Topics: Illegal Gambling · Responsible Gambling · Gambling Regulation · Online Casino
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