Ukraine Advocates for Global Collaboration to Combat Illegal Gambling

Ukraine’s Call for a United Effort Against Illegal Online Gambling

The Ukrainian Gambling Council is urging the international community to develop a coordinated, technology-driven approach to address the rising problem of illegal online gambling worldwide.

Impact of Cryptocurrency and Social Media on Offshore Gambling Growth

Viktoriya Zakrevskaya, Deputy Chair of the Ukrainian Gambling Council, highlights that the rapid expansion of digital platforms has enabled unregulated gambling operators to flourish. These illegal operators frequently utilize cryptocurrencies and social media channels to evade detection and attract more participants.

Illegal gambling platforms represent a significant portion of the projected $618.7 billion global iGaming market by 2025. Many of these operators register their businesses offshore, employ anonymous payment methods, and aggressively market their services online, creating challenges for legal enforcement agencies.

Globally, various countries are experimenting with integrated strategies involving regulations, technology, and community engagement to tackle this issue. For example, Argentina has implemented strict age verification protocols and restricts access to blacklisted websites on public Wi-Fi networks, effectively limiting minors’ exposure to illegal gambling sites.

In Indonesia, where gambling is entirely banned, authorities monitor financial transactions to block illicit activities. Just last year, 26,000 bank and e-wallet accounts associated with unauthorized betting were frozen, demonstrating the effectiveness of focused financial controls in curbing unregulated gambling.

Global Cooperation Urged as Unregulated Gambling Surges

The United States faces unique challenges due to its fragmented regulatory environment. Illegal betting platforms are expanding at nearly twice the rate of legal operators, with over 80% of users exposed to advertising from unlicensed sites. Efforts are underway to strengthen financial oversight and encourage major technology companies to better regulate gambling-related content.

Ukraine has intensified its crackdown on illegal gambling activities through its newly established regulatory body, PlayCity, which succeeded the former agency KRAIL. PlayCity collaborates with international technology companies to remove social media accounts promoting unlawful casinos and has blocked over a hundred unlicensed sites suspected of funneling funds to Russia. Ukrainian authorities believe that such underground gambling operations are being exploited to support military actions.

A key component of Ukraine’s long-term strategy involves developing a real-time betting monitoring and taxation system to ensure greater transparency. The Ministry of Digital Transformation is partnering with technology experts to build this platform, aiming to improve regulatory oversight and increase public trust in the legal gambling market.

Zakrevskaya stresses that overcoming illegal gambling requires adaptable approaches and international cooperation. By combining innovative regulations, advanced technologies, and corporate partnerships, governments can reclaim control from illicit operators and establish a safer, more transparent gambling industry globally.