The Register of Problem Gamblers in Ukraine: how it works and why it is important to know

What is the gambling addiction register and why is it needed?

The Register of Problem Gamblers in Ukraine is an official database of individuals who are prohibited from participating in gambling. The register was introduced as part of the legalisation of the gambling industry in 2020–2021 and is regulated by the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL). The purpose of the register is to protect people with a pathological addiction to gambling from further access to casinos, bookmakers and online platforms.

According to the WHO, between 1% and 3% of gamblers in various countries suffer from pathological addiction. In Ukraine, following the legalisation of the gambling industry, the issue of preventing gambling addiction has become particularly pressing, as the number of licensed operators has begun to rise rapidly.

Who can be included in the register

There are two ways to be included in the register of problem gamblers: voluntarily or compulsorily. Let’s look at each of them in more detail.

Voluntary self-exclusion — the player submits a request themselves via:

• the personal account of a licensed online casino or bookmaker;
• contacting KRAIL directly;
• the ‘Dія’ portal (this feature is being rolled out gradually).

Compulsory admission is carried out by court order or following a request from relatives (provided there is a medical report confirming the addiction).

The minimum period of self-restriction is six months; the maximum is indefinite. It is not possible to remove oneself from the register early without following the official procedure.

How operators verify players

All licensed gambling operators in Ukraine are required to verify new users before they register an account. The verification process takes place in several stages:

• The player provides their passport details or tax identification number.
• The operator automatically sends a request to the KRAIL database.
• The system returns a status: eligible to play or on the self-exclusion list.
• If the individual is listed in the register, registration and login are automatically blocked.

The check takes no more than a few seconds and is carried out in real time. Operators who fail to comply with this requirement risk having their licence revoked and facing a fine of up to 300 times the minimum wage.

Does the restriction apply to offline venues?

Yes. The register of problem gamblers in Ukraine covers not only online platforms but also land-based casinos and slot machine halls. Establishments are required to check visitors’ documents and cross-reference them against the database. In practice, the verification procedure at physical venues is somewhat more complicated—visitors must present a passport or ID card for verification.

The operator bears direct responsibility for admitting any person included on the self-exclusion list. A first offence will result in a warning and a fine; a repeat offence will result in the suspension of the licence.

What to do if a loved one is suffering from a gambling addiction

Relatives or legal representatives may request that a person be included in the register if:

• there is a medical report from an addiction specialist or psychiatrist confirming the existence of a gambling addiction;
• there is a court order declaring the person to have limited legal capacity.

In addition to contacting KRAIL, experts recommend seeking psychological support at the same time. There are several helplines in Ukraine for people with addictions and their families; in particular, you can receive free counselling at local drug treatment centres.

The benefits of the register for players and the market

The self-exclusion scheme benefits all stakeholders in the gambling industry:

• Players are given a practical tool to manage their own behaviour.
• Operators reduce reputational risks and demonstrate a responsible approach to doing business.
• The state gains a transparent mechanism for protecting vulnerable groups without banning the industry as a whole.
• Society sees a reduction in the social consequences of gambling addiction — debts, divorces and crimes related to gambling.

According to estimates by international experts, in countries with well-established self-exclusion registers (the UK, the Netherlands, and Spain), the number of requests for help regarding gambling addiction fell by 15–25% during the first three years following the system’s introduction.

System limitations and how to resolve them

The register of problem gamblers in Ukraine is currently still being finalised. The key tasks include:

• incomplete coverage of illegal websites that do not comply with KRAIL requirements;
• the lack of real-time automatic synchronisation between online and offline segments;
• limited public awareness of the self-exclusion option.

KRAIL plans to expand the registry’s functionality: to integrate it with banking systems to block payments to gambling websites for individuals on the list, and to simplify the application process via the mobile app.

Conclusion

The Gambling Addiction Register is not a form of punishment, but a protective measure available to every citizen of Ukraine. If you or your loved ones feel that gambling is getting out of control, please consult an addiction specialist or a psychologist for professional help.