Europe’s experience in tackling illegal gambling operators offers valuable lessons

In recent years, the issue of gambling has taken on a new dimension, particularly in the context of the industry's legalization and regulation. As a result, the methods used to combat illegal gambling operators are also evolving. These methods are becoming more modern, precise, and effective. This trend is especially evident in developed European markets, where gambling has been integrated into the economic system for decades. Today, the most significant innovations in restricting the activities of illegal operators are emerging in the online sector. These methods are certainly worth studying and adapting to our local context.

The gradual shift of the gambling market to the online sector, along with the digitalisation of the gaming experience, has opened up numerous new opportunities for the gambling industry. However, these opportunities are being exploited not only by licensed operators, but also by illegal ones. Unlicensed operators are actively using online platforms and digital tools to attract players and promote their services. This creates a wide range of problems—for legal businesses, governments, and players alike. Addressing these challenges requires effective solutions, many of which are already being implemented in developed Western countries.

For example, in Sweden, only 5% of players gamble on the black market. This achievement is the result of long-term and coordinated actions of the national regulator, which introduces measures to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of gambling. Over the years, the country has gradually created a transparent and safe gambling ecosystem.

In the UK, there has been an increase in fraud on online gambling platforms, when criminals use artificial intelligence to bypass identification and verification procedures. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has also warned of the discovery of platforms that provide not only access to gambling but also "financial services" such as foreign currency exchange and cheque cashing. This situation has raised concerns in regulatory circles, and the UKGC has announced new controls to prevent such platforms from operating.

The Netherlands is also actively fighting the problem of illegal operators in the digital segment. Since the beginning of the year, the local regulator KSA has already removed more than 20 illegal gambling applications that masqueraded as legal online casinos. This became possible thanks to the launch of the Meld Vals Spel platform, where players can file complaints about suspicious content. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring player safety and clearly demonstrates the challenges that regulators face.

Another disturbing trend is the use of cryptocurrencies for transactions in illegal gambling facilities and online platforms. Bitcoin and other digital assets allow criminals to remain anonymous, which makes it difficult to detect fraudulent schemes and fight them effectively.

The development of technology undoubtedly presents new challenges for national regulators. On one hand, innovation enhances the services offered by licensed gambling companies; on the other, it creates new opportunities for illegal activities. This highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in the gambling sector, which will play an increasingly critical role in regulatory strategies.

Therefore, it is essential to establish conditions in Ukraine where government agencies, licensed gambling operators, and even players themselves act as "agents of the fight" against illegal operators. This collaborative approach is one of the key foundations for building a secure and transparent gambling market in our country.