Ukraine Approves National Gambling Addiction Strategy Extending to 2035

Ukraine has formally adopted a nationwide strategy to address gambling addiction, with government approval confirming the policy's scope through 2035. The Cabinet of Ministers’ decision anchors an extensive approach aimed at prevention, support for affected individuals, and stronger enforcement against illegal gambling within Ukraine’s regulated market.

Strategy for Countering Gambling Addiction: Scope and Objectives

The new state policy, officially titled the "Strategy for Countering Gambling Addiction," sets out coordinated measures to limit gambling harm. The framework covers prevention, early identification of risks, enhanced support for those suffering from gambling addiction, and targeted interventions, with explicit roles for different government and civil society actors. The Ministry of Digital Transformation, which announced the Cabinet’s endorsement, highlighted the goal of unifying the efforts of public agencies, the health and education sectors, law enforcement, and partner organisations.

Public Awareness and Early Detection Initiatives

A core element of the strategy is the launch of nationwide public information campaigns. These are intended to make the risks associated with gambling widely known. Educational institutions will introduce new curriculum components explaining the dangers of gambling addiction to students. The policy singles out early detection of problem gambling as a key priority: authorities commit to screening for early signs of vulnerability and identifying environmental or behavioural risk factors.

Support Pathways and Treatment Measures through 2035

The strategy mandates expanded access to a spectrum of support services, covering diagnosis, psychological counselling, and full rehabilitation for people with gambling addiction. Dedicated programmes tailored for military personnel and veterans are included, recognising the particular risks faced by these groups. Funding and logistical support for healthcare intervention will be overseen by the Ministry of Health, while the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Veterans Affairs will co-design veteran-focused support models.

Enforcement Actions: Blocking Illegal Gambling and Regulation

Prevention and treatment are complemented by stricter enforcement against unlawful operators. The strategy calls for:

• Debarring access to illegal gambling websites via technical controls
• Increased efforts by law enforcement to combat gambling-related crime
• Sanctions on unauthorised advertising and the closure of non-licensed operations

Law enforcement, including the National Police, Security Service of Ukraine, and the Bureau of Economic Security, will share responsibility for enforcement, with coordination supported by digital agencies and the regulator PlayCity. The approach aims to disrupt illegal activity while channelling players to licensed platforms compliant with state gambling regulation.

Interagency Coordination and Implementation Structure

Delivering the strategy requires contributions from approximately 40 government agencies:

• Ministry of Digital Transformation
• Ministry of Health
• Ministry of Education and Science
• Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Veterans Affairs
• Ministry of Social Policy
• Bureau of Economic Security
• Security Service of Ukraine
• National Police
• PlayCity (Ukrainian gambling regulator)

Other institutions involved include medical and educational organisations and NGOs with expertise in addiction prevention and treatment. This interagency model is designed to sustain focus across the policy’s intended lifetime through 2035.

"Implementation of the strategy is intended to unite the efforts of government agencies, medical and educational institutions, law enforcement bodies and other organisations," the Ministry of Digital Transformation stated.

Outlook for Ukraine's Gambling Addiction Policy

Ukraine’s Strategy for Countering Gambling Addiction formalises national commitments to both proactive harm reduction and reactive support. With its term set through 2035, the policy establishes concrete obligations for operators and public institutions alike. The multiple-agency structure and emphasis on cross-sector cooperation reflect the state’s effort to balance regulatory growth with the social costs of gaming.

The Cabinet's decision signals a step towards integrating health, education, and enforcement in a long-term response to gambling-related harm, aligning with trends seen in other regulated casino and online gaming jurisdictions.