Legal gambling reduces the risk of gambling addiction

2025 was a year of important changes in the regulation of the gambling market in Ukraine. The Cabinet of Ministers abolished the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (CRGL) and created a new state institution - PlayCity agency. The new regulatory body is intended to improve control over gambling and prevent the spread of gambling addiction, which, despite its small scale, still exists among Ukrainian players.

PlayCity Agency will now be responsible for implementing new standards in the gambling industry, including maintaining the Register of persons who are restricted from accessing gambling facilities and/or participating in gambling (the "Register"). It is worth noting that the number of entries in the Register has recently increased as more and more people realise the dangers of gambling addiction. This awareness is due to the work with players carried out by legal gambling organisers and the state. According to the latest data, an average of 780 people were registered in the Register every month. Currently, 12,807 people are registered there, of which 99% have voluntarily limited their participation in gambling.

The increase in self-reported self-restraint reflects the growing trust of gamblers in the state, as well as the effectiveness of information campaigns. Many people have become aware that access to available self-restraint tools can be a crucial step in avoiding gambling addiction.

The head of the new agency, Gennadiy Novikov, believes that the current Register fulfils its function - it consolidates information about people who are restricted from participating in gambling. This allows gambling organisers to check players and, if necessary, prevent them from playing. This regulation helps to protect players and increases their safety.

Although the figures in the Register are encouraging in terms of raising awareness of gambling addiction, it is worth noting that Ukraine still lacks clear statistics on the actual number of people suffering from gambling addiction. In particular, the Register data does not reflect the situation with people who play on illegal websites. Given that illegal operators dominate the gambling industry worldwide, this is a serious problem. It is the illegal platforms that allow anyone to play without any verification other than checking the player's solvency.

That is why the agency strives to further improve the Register. The head of the regulator believes that over time, an updated database will be needed that will meet all the requirements of the legislation on personal data protection and other aspects. Such a registry should contain additional functionality for legal gambling organisers, which will allow for more effective risk management.

Thus, the creation of PlayCity and the improvement of gambling regulation mechanisms in Ukraine are important steps towards a safe and responsible gambling environment. It can be created only by stimulating the development of the legal gambling sector and making it impossible for illegal operators to work. It is legal organisers that are able to create an appropriate safe environment that will prevent the development of gambling addiction and encourage players with gambling problems to limit their participation in gambling and seek professional help.