A recent study conducted by the Centre for Responsible Gaming, with support from the Association of Ukrainian Gambling Operators, surveyed 3,164 adults in Ukraine. Initial findings suggest that over three-quarters of Ukrainians believe that gambling is a serious problem for the country.
What Did the Study Find?
The sample was designed to reflect key demographic groups, including 415 young people, 409 internally displaced persons (IDPs), and 404 military personnel. The findings revealed a notable gap between public perceptions of gambling as a major social issue and actual levels of participation.
Approximately 84% of respondents stated that they did not consider themselves gamblers, and one-third of those surveyed reported not knowing anyone who gambles. Meanwhile, just 5% reported gambling within the past 12 months, while only 2% said they had gambled in the previous month.
Despite these relatively low participation rates, three-quarters of respondents viewed gambling as a significant challenge facing Ukraine. The study identified young people and military personnel as groups at greater risk of gambling-related harm. It seems that Ukrainian authorities already had an idea of this and have started implementing measures, as earlier this year, military personnel were forbidden to gamble.
Ukrainian Players Understand Responsible Gambling
It seems that even active gamblers in Ukraine understand the potentially harmful impacts of gambling. The survey showed that awareness of responsible gambling tools was significantly higher among recent gamblers.
Around 71% of recent players were aware they could access their personal gambling statistics, and 67% were familiar with the concept of responsible gambling. Some 60% knew they could set time and spending limits, and 51% were aware of the national register that restricts gambling access for certain individuals.
Respondents also expressed strong support for stricter government action to reduce gambling-related harm. Nearly three-quarters backed tougher measures to prevent gambling addiction, while 67% favoured tighter regulation of the sector. When asked about regulatory priorities, 50% identified stricter limits on gambling advertising as a key measure.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation states that these preliminary survey findings provide a strong evidence base for refining regulation. Authorities have already planned upgrades to the State Online Monitoring System, which are expected to improve real-time oversight of in-game activity. This would enable earlier identification of at-risk players and more timely interventions for those exhibiting problematic gambling behaviour.
Ukrainian regulators have been increasingly hawkish when it comes to illegal gambling as well. A few months ago, the National Commission for the Regulation of Electronic Communications ordered internet providers to block Polymarket, as the state considers the platform’s services as illegal gambling.