Compliance Updates
Ukraine’s Evolving Gambling Landscape: Insights from the Panel of European Gaming Congress in Warsaw
The panel discussion last week, at the European Gaming Congress made me feel inspired to contemplate on critical facets of Ukraine’s burgeoning gambling industry, positioning the nation as an appealing prospect for Western European investors. Although unique challenges, including historical financial corruption and external pressures, exist, Ukraine’s European identity makes it an attractive hub for investment. As the country grapples with ongoing conflict, it must simultaneously address customary market concerns such as safeguarding against Russian interference and protecting the personal data of its citizens.
A striking parallel emerged between Ukraine’s gambling landscape and the realm of cryptocurrencies, where combating money laundering and terrorist financing poses significant challenges. The National Bank, equipped with the capacity to monitor financial flows, plays a pivotal role, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies. A comprehensive strategy to combat mis-selling and gray schemes is being executed by the National Bank of Ukraine, alongside the Commission and the Ministry of Finance, resulting in the revocation of licenses, particularly among operators with Russian ties. Comparable license revocations have occurred in several European nations that have issued cryptocurrency licenses.
However, amid the ongoing struggle against these challenges, errors have emerged, exemplified by the imposition of sanctions on prominent Ukrainian industry leaders like Parimatch and Pokermatch. These sanctions have not only significantly impacted the legal gambling sector but have also cast a shadow of caution over Western investors. Notably, the President’s directive to the Cabinet of Ministers, prompted by a citizen petition with 25,000 signatures, seeks to investigate the circumstances leading to the inclusion of Parimatch in the sanctions list of the National Security and Defense Council.
In the wake of the Parimatch case, it’s worth noting that the Cosmolot brand has also recently faced heightened scrutiny, with law enforcement agencies conducting searches and investigations, further emphasizing the need for a robust law enforcement process. Ukrainian Gambling Council, representing 80% of licensed gambling operators, committed to serving its members by actively working on player protection, advertising regulation, and acting as a valuable business ombudsman for the industry, contributing to a more secure and transparent gambling landscape in Ukraine.
As technical impediments are surmounted, the regulatory body demonstrates its efficiency. Critical issues, such as streamlining market access through license issuance, promoting responsible gambling, stricter advertisement rules, and reinvigorating investments, are coming to the fore.
Once the security concerns are addressed, Ukraine is poised to unleash pent-up demand in its gambling sector. This situation will spur investors to contemplate their entry into the market, whether through direct investment, partnerships, or mergers and acquisitions, underlining the evolving landscape of opportunities in Ukraine’s vibrant gambling industry.
Article by Viktoriya Zakrevskaya, Founding Member and Deputy Chairwoman for Communications, Ukrainian Gambling Council
Viktoriya was a speaker at the European Gaming Congress by Hipther, that took place on 31 October at the InterContinental Warsaw. She discussed the emerging Ukrainian iGaming market at the Panel “The Greek Odyssey, La Dolce Vita, La Fiesta Española, The Ukrainian Spirit, and The Portuguese Fado”.
The Swedish Gambling Authority has reviewed how licensees comply with the requirements for information that must be available in bingo halls.
In its review, the Swedish Gambling Authority has checked whether the licensee complies with the information responsibility in bingo halls. Among other things, the licensee’s contact details and gaming responsibility information must be easily accessible.
The Swedish regulator has found information deficiencies in two bingo halls: Idrottens Bingo in Linköping and Bingoringen in Karlskoga. The Spelinspektionen has also alerted the Swedish Bingo Association regarding the information deficiencies at these two bingo venues.
The post The Swedish Bingo Association Receives a Reprimand for Lack of Information in Bingo Halls appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has allocated funding to five new strategic projects dedicated to preventing and reducing gambling-related harm.
Gambling harm can have major consequences for the individuals themselves, their environment and society as a whole. Research shows that 20% of Dutch people who gamble are at moderate or high risk of gambling addiction. By focusing on prevention, early detection and support, problems can be prevented from developing into serious debt, addiction or mental health issues. The projects are being carried out by the Anonymous Gamblers Foundation and the Gamblers’ Environment Foundation, the Dutch Association for Psychiatry, the Trimbos Institute and the Naast Foundation.
With a grant from the Addiction Prevention Fund, the Anonymous Gamblers and Gamblers’ Environment (AGOG) foundation can train new group facilitators and invest in professional development. In addition, AGOG is exploring the possibilities for digital peer support meetings. This could offer a solution in regions where there are no physical AGOG groups yet, or for people who are unable to attend meetings on location.
The Dutch Association for Psychiatry (NVvP) is receiving funding from the Addiction Prevention Fund for the development of a guideline for the treatment of gambling and gaming addiction. NVvP guidelines contain recommendations for the medical practice of healthcare professionals. This new guideline follows up on one of the recommendations of the National Rapporteur on Addictions (NRV) from the report “Gambling with Health”.
The Trimbos Institute has launched two pilots exploring the theme of gambling, also funded by the Addiction Prevention Fund. The Growing Up in a Promising Environment (OKO) programme is exploring whether it can contribute to preventing gambling behavior among young people. To this end, a literature review is being conducted, monitoring data analysed, appropriate interventions sought and discussions held with municipalities and local partners. Additionally, within the alcohol, drug and medication policy, it is being explored how employers can prevent gambling behavior in the workplace and how they can better refer employees with emerging problems to help.
Stichting Naast receives a subsidy to provide webinars, individual counseling, and newsletters for loved ones of people with a gambling addiction. On helpmijndierbareisverslaafd.nl, they publish additional information about gambling-related harm. This aligns with the OpenOverGokken.nl platformme. The goal is to effectively connect the information and helplines of Stichting Naast and OpenOverGokken, ensuring clear referrals between them. This creates a recognisable pathway for loved ones seeking help, advice or a listening ear.
Through the funding of these projects, the KSA, together with partners, focuses on early detection, prevention, improved care and support for gamblers and their loved ones. In doing so, work is being done simultaneously on multiple fronts to prevent gambling harm and limit its consequences. The resources for the aforementioned projects come from the Addiction Prevention Fund (VPF). Managed by the KSA since 2021, this fund is financed via an additional gambling levy for providers of high-risk gambling.
The post KSA Funds Five New Gambling Harm Prevention Projects appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Arizona Department of Gaming
Arizona Department of Gaming Launches On-Demand Responsible Gaming Training
The Arizona Department of Gaming has announced the release of its Responsible Gaming Training initiative, consisting of free, self-paced training in responsible gaming foundations. Training participants will learn the fundamentals of risks associated with gambling, including problem gambling, how problem gambling differs from positive play, and how to connect with others in the context of addressing problem gambling.
“Offering this responsible gaming training is about increasing knowledge, confidence, and skills that make a tremendous difference in improving the conversations and interactions we may encounter day-to-day. I’m excited to share information and resources about responsible gaming that promote a safer, more sustainable gaming environment – and I look forward to briefing community members on how to make this training work for them,” said Jessica Roza, Assistant Director of Government and Community Affairs.
To provide members of the media, stakeholders, and Arizonans the opportunity to become familiar with the newly released training resource, the Department invites all interested individuals to a live, virtual webinar on April 28, 2026, at 10am Arizona Time, hosted by Jessica Roza.
Responsible gaming is about ensuring that individuals who choose to play have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and enjoy gaming as a form of entertainment. It emphasizes safety and prevention by sharing the risks associated with gambling, encouraging healthy play behaviors, and raising awareness of the treatment resources and support available for gambling disorder, which impacts three to four percent of Arizonans 21 and older. Gambling can take many forms, such as lottery, casino gaming, sports betting, bingo, raffles, office pools, and poker.
The training is organized into three self-paced phases, with optional continued learning quizzes at the end of each phase and a total of about three hours of content (depending on the trainee). Students may pause the training at any point and resume it later.
“For many years, responsible gaming training has served as a cornerstone of education for gaming industry employees, strengthening safety and promoting responsible entertainment across the state. Today, we’re excited to expand that impact by offering an on-demand training designed for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of responsible gaming—including those who may not currently participate in gambling, or work in the industry. This broader approach reflects our commitment to the Arizonans we serve,” Jessica Roza added.
The April 28 virtual briefing will preview the training resource, allow for audience question-and-answer, and conclude with actionable next steps for individuals to further the health and safety of their community.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Launches On-Demand Responsible Gaming Training appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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