Gambling Laws in Ukraine

Gambling in Ukraine is in general illegal, with the exception of the games organized by the state lotteries and poker. Within the Ukrainian gambling legislation, the law On the Prohibition of Gambling Business in Ukraine (Прозаборонугральногобізнесу в Україні) adopted by the Ukrainian Parliament in 2009 is still in force, with small changes and weakening of some of its articles. Regarding the lotteries, these are regulated under the law On State Lotteries in Ukraine (Продержавнілотереї в Україні). 

The regulatory body of all issues regarding gambling in the country is the Ministry of Finance. The same regulations apply to online gambling sites. According to the Ukrainian gambling laws, minors under 18 years of age are prohibited to participate in the games offered by the national lottery and poker.  

Online Casinos in Ukraine

Online casinos in Ukraine are illegal. However, this has increased illegal gambling activities and there are many offshore platforms targeting gamblers from the country, such as 1xBet Casino or 22BET Casino that are very popular among Ukrainians. But the Government is showing signs of changing the current situation for a few years now, which is why casino games might become legal in the near future. 

Online Poker in Ukraine

Poker in Ukraine is a very popular pastime, which was the reason why even in the period of a complete ban on all gambling, back in 2009, poker was ultimately exempted from the prohibition. However, many changes to its status occurred since then until it was fully legalized in 2018. It is still unclear whether or not the operation of online poker sites is prohibited, but as the game doesn’t fall on the definition of gambling, it is assumed that they are fully allowed. 

Online Lottery in Ukraine

The core of the land-based and online lottery laws in Ukraine are composed of the Act On State Lotteries in Ukraine. In compliance with Article 15 from this act, only state lotteries are allowed to offer lotto games. As of June 2019, the Ukranian National Lottery and the MSL are the only operators running online lottery sites in Ukraine. But international lotto sites accept Ukranian players and they are not prosecuted by the authorities. 

Online Bingo in Ukraine

There are no specific Ukrainian online bingo laws. The status of this game within the legal acts regulating gambling in the country is not very clear either, so it can be said that bingo is rather unregulated in Ukraine. And even though there are no specialized sites offering online bingo in Ukraine, players can access international platforms. 

Online Sports Betting in Ukraine

Online sportsbook sites in Ukraine are highly popular. Even though it is illegal, there is the possibility of licensing betting shops, under lotteries. As a result, the state lotteries also offer online opportunities for bettors. Moreover, they are able to access offshore platforms that offer a wide variety of games. 

Online DFS in Ukraine

Online DFS sites in Ukraine are not legally regulated. However considering the legality of online sports betting offered by the national lottery, it is very probable that Daily Fantasy Sports would soon become legal in Ukraine.