Ukraine to Establish New Gambling Oversight Body Following CRGL Liquidation
In a significant regulatory shift, Ukraine is set to introduce a new body to oversee gambling operations, replacing the recently dissolved Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (CRGL).
New Oversight Body and Ministry on the Horizon
Following the liquidation of the CRGL, Ukraine plans to establish a new oversight body by April, accompanied by the creation of a ministry dedicated to gambling and lottery policies.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance regulatory measures and ensure stricter control over the gambling industry.
Additionally, efforts are underway to restrict access to illegal gambling websites and mobile applications.
Legislative Measures to Address Gambling Addiction
The changes stem from a bill signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aimed at combating gambling addiction and improving the regulation of the gambling and lottery sectors.
The legislation introduces various measures, including a ban on gambling advertising with specific exceptions.
Permitted advertisements may only appear on TV and radio during nighttime hours, on media targeted at audiences over 21 years old, or on platforms and search engines with a similar demographic.
Industry Challenges and Recent Developments
The introduction of these regulations follows an appeal made in October by the Ukrainian Gambling Council (UGC) to Google, requesting the reversal of its policy blocking gambling advertisements from licensed Ukrainian operators.
The advertising restrictions and the new oversight framework aim to promote a more regulated and transparent gambling environment in Ukraine.
