The fight against illegal gambling is becoming a priority for countries around the world

In the modern world, gambling is experiencing a significant boom, largely driven by the proliferation of online platforms. This has contributed to the growth of both the legal market and the illegal gambling segment, creating new challenges for regulators. On one hand, online casinos offer convenience by allowing users to quickly and easily access gambling services. On the other hand, this same accessibility makes it easier for illegal operators to attract and exploit players. The latter do not pay any taxes and licence fees to the state budget and contribute to the spread of gambling addiction. All of this encourages countries that have legalised gambling to take increasingly stringent measures to combat illegal operators.

One example is Japan. The country is actively adopting bills to combat illegal gambling. According to statistics, there are approximately 3.37 million online casino users in Japan, spending around $8.6 billion annually. However, online casinos are not legalized in the country. A draft law proposes a ban on online casino advertising on social media, as well as the prohibition of links to online casinos on websites. According to the Japanese regulator, these measures aim to promote transparency and security in the gambling industry and to protect the interests of legal gambling operators.

The experience of Belgium is equally relevant, where about 25% of the population actively plays in illegal establishments. A quarter of the population participating in illegal gambling is significant, especially for a country with a developed regulatory system. Moreover, according to research conducted by the Belgian Association of Licensed Gambling Organisers, more than 47% of players who have self-excluded from gambling eventually return to illegal platforms, which lack player restrictions. This further supports the argument that illegal gambling contributes significantly to the spread of gambling addiction. As a result, representatives of the association are calling for expanded powers for regulatory authorities to quickly and effectively identify and combat the illegal gambling market.

Another interesting example is Bangladesh, where the central bank has begun to strengthen measures to detect suspicious transactions. Financial institutions were required to use artificial intelligence to automatically analyse possible illegal activities. This approach allows for better control of financial flows and faster and more accurate identification of transactions that may be linked to illegal operators.

Malta uses the latest desktop review technology to reduce illegal activity. It allows to analyse documents and reports of licensed organisers remotely, without physical visits. This approach significantly saves time and resources, speeds up the verification process and increases the transparency of licensed companies. This is an example of how the introduction of modern technologies can make the regulatory process more efficient and less costly.

Ukraine should take a closer look at the experience of international counterparts who are working to create a modern and secure gambling market that effectively prevents illegal operators from functioning. Advanced technical solutions—such as automated systems for monitoring and analyzing transactions, the use of artificial intelligence, and the blocking of illegal websites and advertisements—can help our country combat illegal gambling more efficiently and cost-effectively. This approach will not only reduce risks for players but also increase state budget revenues by supporting the growth of the legal gambling sector. Only a comprehensive strategy, combined with modern innovations, can ensure a safe and transparent gambling market for all participants.