Kambi, in Q1 2024, reported a revenue of €43.2 million, a slight 2 percent decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. The majority of this revenue, approximately 90 percent, was generated from sportsbook operations, with the remaining portion attributed to modularised odds feeds.

Despite the slight dip in revenue, Kambi’s EBITDA increased by 10 percent year-on-year, reaching €14 million. The operating profit for the quarter was €4.4 million, a 2 percent decrease from the previous year, with a margin of 10.2 percent. The earnings per share for the quarter were €0.107, and the board proposed no dividend payout.

Kambi’s operator turnover index, a measure of its clients’ quarterly turnover, decreased by 16.3 percent compared to Q1 2023. This was primarily due to the migration of Penn’s online business in July 2023. However, excluding Penn’s online contribution in Q1 2023, turnover increased by 3 percent across the global network and by 9 percent in the Americas. The operator trading margin in Q1 was 9 percent, driven by favourable basketball results, compared to 8.2 percent in the same period last year.

In Q1, Kambi extended its retail sportsbook partnership with Penn until 31 December 2025, replacing the previous agreement set to end in July 2024. Kambi also partnered with Inspired Entertainment, a provider of virtual sports products, to integrate the company’s offering into its sportsbook platform. This is in line with and deliver for partners through third-party services.

Kambi CEO Kristian Nylén, (pictured above) who announced his intention to step down once a successor is appointed, expressed satisfaction with the Q1 results. He highlighted the successful launch of LiveScore Group’s Kambi-powered sportsbook in Nigeria and the Netherlands. Looking ahead, Nylén anticipates further launches, particularly in the UK, in preparation for upcoming sporting events like Euro 2024 and Copa América.

Nylén mentioned that Kambi has made good progress in opening up its platform to provide greater flexibility and choice for partners. An initial step in this process was integrating external content into the Kambi platform to meet product requirements for certain partner signings in 2023. In Q1, Kambi added Inspired Entertainment’s virtual sports games to the platform, creating an additional revenue stream. More recently, the firm integrated racing provider BetMakers, enhancing Kambi’s horse and greyhound racing products.

As part of the ongoing modularisation strategy,n Tzeract’s first commercial agreement with operator kwiff. This will enable Kambi to provide modular odds feeds via a single API integration, granting operators access to Kambi’s full library of sports odds.

Although Nylén suggested Kambi had “built solid foundations for the future”, the company expects 2024 to be a “transitional year.” The supplier said revenue will be impacted by Penn’s online migration, recently renewed contracts with Kindred and several other partners. Kambi is also reviewing its 2027 financial targets due to a slowdown in sports betting regulation. Despite these challenges, Kambi remains optimistic about its future prospects.

Brazil is a beacon for global leadership said Stephen Crystal in a keynote during Bis SiGMA Americas.

A renowned figure in the gambling industry, Stephen shed light on the transformation of Brazil’s gambling market. From its unregulated beginnings, Brazil’s market is evolving into a structured, vibrant ecosystem, shaping new values, insights, and technologies in the global gambling industry.

Crystal explored the transformative journey of Brazil’s gambling industry, poised to become a global leader with a projected growth to $2.6 billion by 2026. The potential of Brazil’s vast player base, fuelled by a rich sports culture and the inclusive reach of sports broadcasting, is setting a new precedent for the global gambling industry under a regulated framework.

Brazil’s unique cultural fabric, rich with sports heritage, has set the stage for an unparalleled sports betting landscape. The historical use of free-to-play games and ‘bolões’ as part of the sports fan journey has laid the groundwork for a market ripe for regulated sports betting. This deep integration of sports betting into national culture suggests a model for engaging new markets, positioning Brazil to potentially lead globally in player numbers.

The enactment of Bill 3,626/2023 signifies a landmark shift, introducing a regulated framework that ensures player safety, market stability, and reinvestment into sports development. This clear legal framework is expected to attract both domestic and international investment, showcasing the importance of regulatory clarity for market maturity and investment in emerging markets globally. With a projected growth to $2.6 billion by 2026, Brazil’s market is set to become a global leader. The unprecedented scale of the potential player base, driven by Brazil’s deep-rooted sports culture and inclusive reach of sports broadcasting, provides valuable insight into the vast market potential awaiting under a regulated framework.

Brazilian bettors exhibit a strong preference for social and interactive gambling experiences, a trend reflective of the broader social dynamics of the country. The expected rise in demand for social features in betting platforms underscores the need for innovation around social engagement and community-building features, setting new trends for the global gambling industry. Crystal also delved into the significance of global sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup, in amplifying the gambling market’s growth and visibility is also discussed. The article presents how Brazil’s engagement with these events serves as a strategic model for leveraging global phenomena to enhance market reach and engagement worldwide.

The current state of commoditized product offerings in Brazil presents a unique opportunity for differentiation. By understanding and catering to the highly social nature of Brazilian consumers, companies can unlock new value in market share and loyalty. This strategy for global markets emphasizes the importance of personalized and culturally resonant gambling experiences.

Compliance with Brazil’s regulatory requirements, including self-exclusion policies and facial recognition for age verification, illustrates the complex interplay between technology and regulation. Brazil’s approach serves as a model for implementing advanced technologies to ensure responsible gambling, enhancing user safety, and trust. Finally Crystal highlighted the profound lessons from Brazil's journey towards regulatory clarity and market maturity for the global gambling sector. Brazil's transformative impact of regulatory evolution, cultural integration and innovation in product offerings paves the way for the future of gambling across the globe, Crystal said.

Brazil’s engagement with global sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup, amplifies the gambling market’s growth and visibility. This strategy for leveraging global events provides a roadmap for other markets to amplify their reach and engagement, highlighting the significant impact of sports events on market dynamics. As Brazil’s market continues to evolve, there’s a clear need for companies to adapt by offering innovative product differentiation beyond marketing and bonuses. The insights from Brazil’s market dynamics offer a strategic roadmap for entry into personalized, social entertainment-focused gambling experiences.

Yesterday's Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed the first reading of a bill aimed at strengthening the state’s oversight over the gambling business. The bill, backed by 272 lawmakers, was introduced in May 2023 and is now one step closer to becoming law, pending a second reading and the president’s signature.

The proposed legislation comes at a time. A petition demanding restrictions on online gambling reached the president’s table in March, reflecting growing societal concern.

The bill proposes significant changes to the current regulatory framework. It suggests abolishing the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries and transferring its responsibilities to the Digital Transformation Ministry. This move is expected to streamline the regulatory process and enhance oversight.

The legislation also includes measures to further restrict online gambling games and impose a ban on advertising. It outlines tools to safeguard particularly vulnerable categories of the population and proposes tightening business control measures. These steps are seen as crucial in mitigating the potential harm caused by gambling.

Moreover, the bill provides guidelines and conditions for cancelling licenses and proposes other measures to raise the standards of gambling enterprises. These provisions aim to ensure that businesses operate responsibly and adhere to the highest ethical standards.

The gambling landscape in Ukraine has seen significant changes over the years. Gambling was officially banned in 2009, but it was legalized again in 2020. Despite the controversy surrounding the industry, it has made substantial contributions to the state’s revenue. In the first two months of 2024 alone, the gambling business in Ukraine paid Hr 2.2 billion ($56 million) in taxes, and Hr 10.4 billion ($267 million) in 2023, according to Danylo Hetmantsev, the chairman of the parliamentary Finance Committee.

In a related development, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on April 20 aimed at counteracting the negative effects of online gambling. The decree bans online gambling for the military until the end of martial law. This move underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the potential harms of gambling and protecting its citizens.

The passage of this bill in the first reading marks a significant step towards a more regulated and responsible gambling environment in Ukraine. As it moves towards the second reading, it will be interesting to see how the proposed changes are received and what impact they will have on the future of gambling in the country.

Gambling regulations differ across countries, with varying degrees of restriction or regulation.

Italy implemented the Decreto Dignità (Dignity Decree) in early 2019, imposing a comprehensive ban on gambling marketing. This action followed a study revealing that 3% of Italians were experiencing gambling-related harm.

In contrast, Germany introduced the State Treaty on Gambling in June 2021, regarded as one of thecountries that recently revised their gambling laws.

Many European countries generally have more lenient casino and gambling laws. However, these laws can also apply to offshore gambling companies that enable customers to interact with overseas gaming firms.

Gambling regulations usually encompass all forms of gambling within a country, such as lotteries, bingo, sports betting, and casino games. They establish taxation rules and consider market development and preferences. As societal needs, community progress, and technological advancements evolve, so do active gambling legislations.

It’s crucial to distinguish between gambling regulations and gambling jurisdictions. Regulations refer to the laws governing gambling within a sovereign state. In contrast, jurisdictions oversee the business operations of the operators within the country issuing licences for global iGaming operations.

Even though 888 Holdings, a listed online betting-and-gaming company surpassed 2024 revenue expectations, according to its announced last week, the company may still need to implement changes to achieve growth by year end.

The Q1 report states the revenue during this period amounted to £431 million, down 3.2% on-year but ahead of the £420 -£430 million it had predicted; while 888 sportsbook stakes were down 5%, from £1.43 billion ($1.78 billion) to £1.35 billion.

Increasing the sports betting promotions could be part of the new development strategy. A number of competitors offer daily tournaments, other free-to-play offers, and cash prizes, which 888sport currently does not offer as many. At the moment, 888sport offers six sports betting promotions, while its competitor Ladbrokes has 19, and Paddy Power offers 10.

Online sports betting stakes in the UK and Ireland dropped by 9% to £630.6 million, and sportsbook retail operations fell 4% to £393.5 million during Q1. It appears that more customer promotions could improve customer retention, market sources say.

The acquisition of William Hill did not improve 888 retail numbers. Despite it being an iconic brand with 1,400 William Hill betting shops across the UK, 888 retail numbers were still 4% down to £393.5 million in Q1. William Hill has great promotions, but these don’t make their way over to 888sport, outsiders commented.

Other high street brands, such as Ladbrokes and Coral have also been facing challenges as retail sports betting has slowed down, while online betting is growing. Online casinos have increased a lot in 2024, and the choice of online casinos is overwhelming. To grow revenues, profits, 888 also hopes to enhance its branding and “One Company” approach with the name change. The new name - Evoke is yet to be voted on by the shareholders at the company AGM scheduled for 13 May 2024. Per Widerstrom, the CEO of the group, has led the name change as part of a broader strategic transformation to prioritise the core markets and to reset its operating model with a focus on automation and AI, and to cut costs by removing duplication.
With focus being on core markets in Europe include Denmark, Spain, Italy and the UK, will the re-brand and new strategy be enough to get back its £4.48 share price from 2021?

The National Football League (NFL) has reinstated Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr., following a suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy. Rodgers, who missed the entire 2023 season due to the suspension, is now expected to compete for significant playing time in the upcoming 2024 season.

Rodgers was suspended in June 2023 for placing bets on NFL games through an online sportsbook. The 26-year-old player, who joined the Eagles two months after his suspension, claimed that the bets made from the sportsbook account registered in his name were on behalf of friends and family in Florida. At that time, online betting was not authorized in Florida until December 2023.

The NFL’s gambling policy strictly prohibits all forms of wagering on league games and within team facilities. Despite this, Rodgers placed over 100 bets for others, with the average bet amount ranging between $25 and $50. Notably, Rodgers, a sixth-round pick from UMass, also placed a $1,000 bet on the over/under rushing yards for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.

Rodgers’ career stats include 90 combined tackles and three interceptions in 45 games. His reinstatement comes as part of a larger wave of reinstatements by the NFL, which also lifted the suspensions of five other players earlier this week. These players, all free agents entering the upcoming season, include defensive end Shaka Toney, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, defensive end Rashod Berry, safety C.J. Moore, and defensive end Demetrius Taylor.

Both Berry and Rodgers were members of the Colts when they were suspended in 2023. Another player, Denver Broncos defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike, who was suspended for allegedly wagering on league games in 2022, can petition for reinstatement in July.

The of the sport. However, the recent wave of suspensions and reinstatements highlights the challenges the league faces in navigating the complex landscape of sports betting.

There have been several notable cases of NFL player suspensions in recent years. Here are a few:

• Jameson Williams: A wide receiver for the Lions, Williams was suspended for six games for betting on college football games while at the Lions’ practice facility.
• Stanley Berryhill: Also a wide receiver for the Lions, Berryhill was suspended for six games for betting on college games inside Detroit’s practice facility.
• Derrius Guice: In 2021, this running back was suspended for six games due to domestic violence.
• Antonio Brown: In 2020, this wide receiver was suspended for eight games due to multiple violations of the personal conduct policy.
• Kareem Hunt: In 2019, this Cleveland running back was suspended for eight games following an assault that was caught on video.

These cases highlight the NFL’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport and enforcing its policies on personal conduct and gambling.

Svenska Spel, a major player in the gaming industry, recently disclosed its Q1 2024 financial results, which painted a picture of mixed fortunes. The company’s net revenue for the quarter was SEK1.96 billion ($0.18 billion), marking a marginal 1 percent decrease compared to the same period last year. This dip in revenue has been attributed to the restructuring efforts within the Casino Cosmopol and Vegas business area.

A detailed examination of the revenue reveals that the net gaming revenue for the Casino Cosmopol and Vegas business area plummeted by 32 percent to SEK 169 million. This downturn was primarily due to the extensive restructuring of Casino Cosmopol, the closure of Casino Cosmopol branches in Malmo and Gothenburg, and reduced operating hours at the remaining Stockholm casino.

The sports and casino business area also experienced a revenue decline of 3 percent to SEK 549 million. This decrease is linked to less favourable outcomes for the pool games.

Despite these challenges, , registering a 6 percent growth compared to the same period last year. The online segment generated a total of SEK 1.09bn, accounting for 56 percent of the group’s total revenue for the quarter.

The Lottery division, also known as Tur, had a successful quarter with net gaming revenue rising by 6 percent to SEK1.24 billion. This growth was fuelled by the Eurojackpot and the sustained sales growth of the game Triss.

However, the operating profit for the first quarter took a significant hit, plunging by 49 percent to SEK 310 million. Svenska Spel attributed this decline to several costs incurred during the quarter, including the liquidation of the casinos in Malmo and Gothenburg, restructuring costs associated with the group’s review, and a penalty fee.

In a noteworthy development, Svenska Spel announced the appointment of Gustav Georgson as its new Head of Community Relations and Public Affairs at the beginning of the month. This move is expected to bolster the company’s community engagement and public relations efforts moving forward.

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of Svenska Spel’s Q1 2024 performance, highlighting the challenges and successes encountered by the company during this period. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Svenska Spel’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge.

Svenska Spel stands among several key players, each with their unique offerings and strategies. Let’s delve into a brief comparison. Firstly, we have Goals, a company that has carved out a niche for itself in the domain of football games. Their focus on this specific area sets them apart in the gaming industry. The company offers a variety of gaming solutions, including casino and live casino games, as well as sports gaming solutions. Then there’s Flax Innovations, a B2B Sports Tech company that has chosen to specialize in interactive betting solutions. Its focus on this particular aspect of the industry differentiates them from their competitors.

The gaming industry is a dynamic and competitive field, with each of these competitors bringing unique strategies to the table. When comparing them, it’s important to consider factors such as market share, revenue growth, product offerings, customer base, and technological advancements.

It’s also worth noting that the performance of Svenska Spel and its competitors have been influenced by regulatory changes, technological innovations, market trends, and consumer preferences.

In 2023, France’s sports betting and gaming operators witnessed a significant milestone. Their gross gaming revenues (GGR) rose by 3.5 percent year-on-year, reaching a record €13.4 billion. This growth was observed across all market verticals, marking the highest level of activity ever recorded by the sector.

The national regulator, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ),linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the ANJ also issued a reminder to operators about the need for responsible gambling practices. With major events like the Euro 2024 football tournament and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on the horizon, operators were urged to ensure that intensification of playing patterns does not accelerate in 2024.

The growth of the gambling sector in France, as indicated by a 3.5 percent increase in Gross Gaming Revenues (GGR) to €13.4 billion in 2023, is noteworthy. The European gambling market, which includes both online and offline sectors, accounts for 49 percentof the global market. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) provides an overview of the online gambling operations of its members within the EU and UK. However, specific growth rates for individual countries in 2023 are not readily available.

In terms of the sports betting industry, Europe is currently estimated to be worth $44.5 million (approximately €41.5 million), with forecasts predicting its value to reach $89.9 million (approximately €83.9 million) by 2030.

While these figures provide a broad overview, the growth rates can vary significantly between countries and sectors (online vs offline, types of gambling, etc.). Therefore, while France’s growth is impressive, it’s important to consider it in the context of these broader trends and variations across Europe.

The growth of France’s gambling sector is in line with the general upward trend observed in Europe, albeit with country-specific and sector-specific variations. The challenge for all countries, including France, will be to balance this growth with the need for responsible gambling practices. This is particularly relevant given the upcoming major sporting events like the Euro 2024 football tournament and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Despite the impressive growth, French operators lagged slightly behind the European market growth rate of 5.5 percent (or €134 billion GGR). However, the ANJ noted that France’s growth was in line with other major markets such as Germany, the UK, and Spain.

Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, President of ANJ, commented on the sector’s performance, stating, “The healthy state of the market demonstrates that demanding regulation is not a brake on development. This growth makes the objective of reducing the number of excessive gamblers, which the ANJ has placed at the heart of its action for the coming years, all the more relevant.”

Francaise des Jeux (FDJ) and PMU, with €6.6 billion anFDJ’s land-based and online sports betting grew by 10.4 percent to €1 billion, accounting for 16.2 percent of the group’s total GGR. Following its integration of online horse racing tote operator ZEturf in Q3, FDJ is now present in all online gaming segments.

PMU’s business grew by 1 percent in 2023, reaching €1.7 billion in GGR, marking a return to its pre-pandemic levels. The group also modified five of its products and optimized its racing calendar to boost its business.

French casino operators’ GGR grew by 8 percent to a record €2.7 billion. Almost 74 percent of the country’s 200 land-based establishments returned to higher levels than in 2019. Slot machines contributed more than 80% of the GGR. Paris, the capital, counts seven gaming clubs, and their GGR rose by almost 11 percent to €119 million in 2023.

Online operators’ GGR was up 7.2 percent to €2.3 billion, representing 17.5 percent of the total market. The digital segment is driven by sports betting at 63 percent, online poker at 21.6 percent, and online horse racing tote betting at 15 percent.

While the total number of unique players rose to 3.6 million, online sports betting was the only segment not to see an increase in the number of active accounts. However, its GGR was still up by 6.4 percent to €1.5 billion, and stakes were up 2.2 percent to €8.5 billion.

The lack of a major sporting event appears to have led to a decrease in the pool of unique players. This lack of new player accounts was offset by an increase in the average stakes per active account of 6.3 percent to €1,982. The ANJ warned that this may lead to more intensive gambling practices.

Online horse race betting returned to growth, with its GGR up by almost 2 percent to €353 million and stakes of €1.5 billion at 5 percent. The number of activities rose by 4.5 percent, and unique players were up by 1.5 percent, indicating that horse racing tote betting is attracting new players.

Online poker saw a strong upturn in activity, surpassing the records set during the health (COVID) crisis with its GGR up 14 percent to €504 million. The ANJ noted that from 2019-2023, the segment’s growth has been significant.

In conclusion, while France’s gambling sector has seen impressive growth, the challenge lies in balancing this growth with responsible gambling practices. As the sector continues to evolve, the role of regulators like the ANJ will be crucial in ensuring a sustainable and responsible gambling environment.

The Puerto Rican Senate has given its stamp of approval to a new set of regulations concerning This move comes after the Gaming Commission presented the proposed regulations on 1 March.

This week, the Senate approved the new Regulation for the Issuance, Management, and Control of Licenses for Slot Route Gaming Machines. This action aligns with the commitment expressed by the President of the Senate, José Luis Dalmau Santiago, as reported by local media outlet El Sol de Puerto Rico.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 58 clarifies that the proposed regulation must undergo evaluation by the Legislative Assembly. This is to ensure its complete and faithful compliance with the statute before its approval, which should occur within 45 days from the notification.

Dalmau Santiago, (pictured above), referring to Concurrent Resolution 57, explained why the previous regulation was rejected. He said, “Since I spoke with you in the last session and expressed why the past regulation was being rejected, we addressed the concerns and that is why we filed this amended regulation.”

He also refuted claims that the Senate was not giving way to the regulation. He clarified, “The Gaming Commission is working on a draft, and when they file it, I will attend to it. The conversations are so advanced that this morning, the gaming commissioner told me that maybe they will file it today.” This statement was made before the new regulation was received on Wednesday.

The proposed regulation outlines the nd rights that all interested parties must adhere to when requesting or renewing their licenses for route gaming machines. It also applies to those interested in obtaining or renewing the Licenses for Wholesaler Owners, Business Owners, Manufacturers, Distributors, and Suppliers of Goods and Services of Slot Route Gaming Machines, as reported by local media Microjuris.

Furthermore, the regulation stipulates the operational and oversight procedures that the Gaming Commission, or the corresponding Bureau if created, must follow when awarding such Licenses.

The primary objective of these Regulations is to regulate the management of these licenses and to establish the penalties that may be imposed on any person who fails to comply with the provisions of the Law and the Regulations. This marks a significant step towards regulating the gaming industry in Puerto Rico.

SiGMA Group has announced it has acquired a majority stake in iGaming Academy, which offers vocational and compliance training in over 25 jurisdictions, to more than 60,000 gaming professionals yearly, for an undisclosed figure. 

This acquisition is set to greatly complement their current portfolio by embedding various forms of industry education throughout SiGMA’s global event schedule and online network.

In the words of Eman Pulis, SiGMA Group founder, “The acquisition comes at a perfect time for us. We've been working closely with iGaming Academy for many years now. I love what Jaime and the Conexus Group have built and look forward to supporting this growth with new initiatives and a wider offering of educational programs globally. The industry is crying out for more talent and regulatory insight, with new markets continuing to regulate. As a result, we want to be very active in this business."

Robert Dowling from Conexus Group commented that, “Conexus will remain actively involved in the iGaming Academy and our clients will continue to receive the outstanding training they expect from this brand,” said Rob Dowling, CEO of The Conexus Group. “We are confident that this strategic acquisition by SiGMA will allow the iGaming Academy to expand and improve its services offering to better serve the evolving training needs of the iGaming industry.”

Jaime Debono went on to elaborate, “This acquisition marks a major milestone for iGaming Academy – our mission has also been to educate the industry – both on key regulatory compliance topics as well as vocational training for existing and new markets. With the support of SiGMA Group, we will be able to accelerate this strategy through their global event calendar, enrich both training and event content and reach a much wider audience than ever before"

“The acquisition of IGA is another important milestone for SiGMA's vision. IGA's extensive training library rounds up our offer of services for the igaming industry by allowing us to be at the forefront of educational and regulatory tools for the market. We have strong confidence in Jaime and his team and are thrilled about the next chapters,” added Vinicius Moraes de Carvalho, Investment Partner at Ikigai Ventures.

iGaming Academy will continue to work in their current organisational structure with Jaime Debono remaining as company CEO and continuing to work alongside his team. 

The deal will continue to see the management at iGaming Academy at the helm, with SiGMA's corporate governance and marketing arm supporting the business to go from strength to strength. 

Following the acquisition, the iGaming Academy is setting up an office in Cyprus to build its online offering and content development. In addition, its revenue streams will also be bolstered through new affiliate partner deals. More courses will also be made available in multiple languages, thus meeting the global demand for training.

Meet in person with the iGaming Academy team at or get in touch with them online.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has signed a decree aimed at counteracting the negative effects of online gambling. This move, announced today, proposes a ban on online gambling for the military until the end of martial law.

The decision comes in the wake of increasing public discussions about the negative social impacts of gambling. A petition demanding restrictions on online gambling recently passed the threshold for presidential consideration, highlighting the growing concern among the public. Zelensky’s support for the National Security and Defense Council’s decision comes after his announcement that the government was preparing to tighten control over the online gambling industry in Ukraine. This is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to addressing the issue head-on.

The decree tasks the government with defining . A particular focus will be on ads using the symbols of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and other military formations. This move is likely to significantly reduce the visibility and reach of such advertisements, thereby limiting their influence.

In addition to the advertising restrictions, the decree also includes a large-scale information campaign on the danger of gambling. This campaign will aim to raise public awareness about the risks associated with gambling and provide information on prevention and treatment options. The introduction of an online monitoring system and the blocking of illegal gambling websites are also part of the decree. These measures will help in curbing the accessibility and prevalence of online gambling.

Ukraine’s Security Service has been tasked with examining gambling organizers for compliance with the legislation within two months. This will ensure that all gambling activities are conducted in accordance with the law. The Commander-in-Chief and the leadership of military units are tasked to prohibit military personnel from accessing gambling facilities and online casinos. This is a significant step towards protecting the military personnel from the potential harms of gambling.

In early April, the Parliamentary Finance Committee supported a bill that included the liquidation of the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries and passing its responsibilities to the Digital Transformation Ministry. This move indicates a shift in the regulatory oversight of the gambling industry.

It’s worth noting that gambling was officially banned in Ukraine in 2009 until its legalization in 2020. In the first two months of 2024, the gambling business in Ukraine paid Hr 2.2 billion ($56 million) in taxes, and Hr 10.4 billion ($267 million) in 2023. These figures underscore the significant financial impact of the gambling industry.

Zelensky’s decree represents a comprehensive and robust approach to tackling the issue of online gambling in. It reflects the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens, particularly the military personnel, from the potential harms of gambling.