Self-exclusion as an effective policy tool to address problem gambling in Ukraine

Problem gambling is not a critical issue for the Ukrainian gambling market. The share of potential problem gamblers typically accounts for 0.5–1% of the total number of players. Nevertheless, gambling addiction does exist and therefore requires targeted countermeasures. There are several mechanisms to address this challenge — ranging from state regulation through systems such as the State Online Monitoring System (SOMS) to technical solutions developed and implemented by the industry, including the analysis and control of risky gambling behavior. In addition, self-exclusion mechanisms have become an increasingly important tool of oversight and have gained growing popularity internationally in recent years.

One of the standard challenges faced by countries where gambling is legal is the prevention of problem gambling. Depending on the level of development of a given jurisdiction, different mechanisms are applied to mitigate the risk of gambling addiction among players. Ukraine also employs various instruments to counter the spread of problem gambling, including self-exclusion mechanisms, which have already demonstrated their effectiveness in other countries.

Self-exclusion is the voluntary inclusion of an individual in a register that restricts access to gambling activities. At first glance, this approach may seem counterintuitive, as individuals suffering from gambling addiction often find it extremely difficult to stop gambling on their own. However, voluntary self-exclusion registers, when combined with automated risk-detection systems, demonstrate a high level of effectiveness in addressing gambling-related harm.

Georgia provides a relevant example. Following amendments to its gambling regulatory framework, an automatic exclusion register was introduced, covering approximately 1.57 million individuals — nearly 40% of the country’s population. This register automatically includes young people under the age of 25, public servants, and other groups requiring enhanced protection. At the same time, a voluntary self-exclusion register for individuals with gambling addiction has enrolled around 36,000 people, 99% of whom registered themselves voluntarily. This represents nearly 1% of the population and indicates a strong willingness among individuals to engage in responsible self-regulation. These figures suggest that the solution lies not in top-down prohibitions, but in empowering individuals to consciously and independently limit their participation in gambling when it becomes uncontrollable.

Within the European Union, the prevention of problem gambling is also reaching a new qualitative level. Through the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), a unified standard of “markers of harm” is being introduced. This standard consists of a set of behavioral indicators designed to identify risky gambling behavior at an early stage. Such markers include, among others, a sharp increase in betting activity, frequent gaming sessions, changes in financial behavior, or increased nighttime user activity.

This standard, endorsed by the majority of national standardization bodies across EU member states, has become the first pan-European instrument to harmonize approaches to identifying potential gambling addiction regardless of a specific operator or market. Although the standard is voluntary and does not constitute binding legislation, it establishes a common “language” and methodology for the industry, which can be adopted by regulators, licensed gambling operators, and public health authorities.

Given that Ukraine is currently in the process of developing its State Online Monitoring System (SOMS), integrating European experience in the area of self-exclusion could be highly beneficial. Ukraine has the opportunity to design its own model that combines voluntary self-exclusion registers, automated early risk-detection systems, and European monitoring standards. Accordingly, the next regulatory steps in this area should include:

1. Expanding the voluntary self-exclusion register to all individuals who perceive a risk of developing gambling addiction.

2. Automating the application of restrictions for high-risk groups through algorithms designed to identify “markers of harm.”

3. Adapting European monitoring standards within the operation of SOMS to ensure a transparent and well-protected market.

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Such an approach would be beneficial not only for players, but also for the legal gambling industry, which would gain public trust, and for the state budget, which would secure a stable source of revenue while minimizing social risks. Self-exclusion and the development of a culture of responsible gambling should define the future of Ukraine’s gambling industry as it seeks to integrate into the European gambling space with high standards of player protection.