Just over an hour ago, the profile panel discussion dedicated to the development of the gambling market in Ukraine ended at the SBC Summit Barcelona.
The speakers at the panel discussion were Ivan Rudyi, Head of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (CRGL), Boris Baum, First Deputy Head of the Advisory and Expert Council of CRGL, and I, as the head of the Ukrainian Gambling Council.
The discussion was moderated by Viktoriya Zakrevskaya, UGC Deputy Chair for Communications.
The profile panel discussion was of great interest to the summit participants, and it is understandable since Ukraine is considered by many international partners as a potential leader of the gambling market in Eastern Europe and the CIS region.
Discussing the process of legalization and development of the gambling market in Ukraine, the head of CRGL mentioned: “Legalization of the gambling business is an important step for Ukraine, which had to be taken a long time ago. After legalization, the gambling market of Ukraine became attractive not only for national business but for foreign companies as well. Now the regulator is doing everything to ensure that the gambling market operates according to transparent and understandable rules. The priority is given to the elaboration of the necessary regulatory framework, the development of a state online monitoring system, as well as the protection of consumer rights. I am convinced that permanent movement in this direction and our willingness to cooperate will ensure a constantly high level of engagement among potential stakeholders interested in our country’s gambling market".
Boris Baum, in his turn, stressed the importance of legislative changes to attract foreign partners: “We hope that the draft law on taxation will be adopted very soon. We are confident that this will send a signal to foreign investors that clear rules of the game are emerging in Ukraine. Therefore, we are ready and open for investments from foreign companies. We are all looking forward to this. Welcome to Ukraine and let's work together! "
I, as a representative of UGC, the largest gambling association in Ukraine, talked about how the regulator ensures communication with experts and the public sector. I also confirmed that CRGL is as open as possible, both from the point of view of the law and in terms of its activities, for professional expertise, and the market. Such mechanisms as an advisory and expert council, working groups within this council, as well as response to requests from public organizations exist not just on paper, but allow the Commission to have a direct dialogue with market representatives and professional associations. This enables practically “online” testing and understanding of how effectively the market is working. This is undoubtedly theachievement of the CRGL management - the fact that the market has so many communication mechanisms.
My assessment of the profile panel discussion on Ukraine at the SBC Summit Barcelona is more than positive. I am sure that such events enhance the image of Ukraine.
REFERENCE
UGC is a Ukrainian specialized gambling public association seeking to unite the entire legal gambling industry into a single voice to ensure stable and effective development of the gambling business in Ukraine. UGC is the major platform for communication between the State and the entire legal gambling industry. Today, the number of UGC members already amounts to 15 legal gambling operators and organizations.