Summary
- Ukrainian Gambling Regulator and Security Services Crack Down on Illegal Gambling Websites
- Most of the 133 newly blocked websites have connections to Russia.
- The boss of AUGO claims that illegal gambling websites will ultimately be eliminated from the country.
Following the dissolution of KRAIL and the establishment of the new regulator, PlayCity, Ukraine has intensified its efforts to eliminate illegal gambling. The primary concern is that many Russia-linked domains are generating funds that indirectly support the country's war against its struggling neighbor.
Ukraine moves in force against illegal gambling operators
Oleksandr Kohut, president of the Association of Ukrainian Gambling Operators (AUGO), has been collaborating with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and other relevant authorities to clamp down on illegal gambling websites. Recently, their efforts resulted in the blocking of over 133 illegal gambling websites, many of which are suspected of having ties to Russia. Internet service providers have complied with the order to block these websites' IP addresses, making them inaccessible in Ukraine. AUGO reports that these websites generated between UAH 3 billion and UAH 5 billion quarterly. The funds were allegedly funneled back to Russia. Kohut acknowledges the ongoing challenge of combating illegal gambling operations but remains committed to the task. He assured that his organization is dedicated to assisting the new regulator and the SBU in identifying and eliminating any unauthorized gambling sites attempting to fund Russia’s war effort. Looking ahead, Kohut is optimistic that illegal operators will eventually be cornered, leaving them with no choice but to stop targeting Ukrainians.
