Ukraine Treats Gambling Addiction as a Wartime National Security Threat

The Ministry of Digital Transformation stated that gambling addiction is no longer viewed solely as a social or medical issue. Officials believe that excessive gambling can leave citizens more exposed to manipulation, fraud and economic instability at a time when the country continues to face the pressures of war.

To address the issue, the government is preparing a long-term national strategy that will remain in effect until 2035. The plan focuses on reducing gambling-related harm while tightening oversight of both legal and illegal operators.

A major part of the strategy targets the underground gambling market, which authorities say increasingly relies on VPN services, cryptocurrencies and mirror websites to avoid restrictions. According to the Ministry, illegal platforms pose the greatest danger because they operate without player protection tools such as spending limits, self-exclusion systems or proper age verification.

The government plans to strengthen enforcement through closer cooperation with banks and financial institutions to monitor and block suspicious transactions linked to illegal gambling. Authorities will also use artificial intelligence technologies to detect prohibited advertising and identify mirror casino websites operating online.

State agency PlayCity reported that more than 3,500 illegal online casinos were blocked in Ukraine last year alone, highlighting the scale of the issue.

Deputy Minister Natalia Denikeeva said the new Strategy for Minimising the Negative Impact of Gambling and Combating Gambling Addiction to 2035 represents a shift away from reactive policies toward prevention and early intervention. Officials aim to identify gambling-related risks earlier and provide support before addiction becomes severe.

Implementation of the programme is expected to involve more than 40 government institutions. The Ministry of Health will oversee treatment and early diagnosis initiatives, while the Ministry of Education will focus on awareness campaigns aimed at young people. Social policy agencies will provide assistance to affected individuals and families, and law enforcement bodies will continue efforts to disrupt illegal operators.

Despite growing concern from authorities, previous research suggests gambling addiction levels in Ukraine remain relatively low overall. A Kantar study commissioned by the Association of Ukrainian Gambling Business Operators (AUOGB), using the internationally recognised Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), found that Ukrainian citizens generally demonstrate low levels of gambling-related harm.