Ukraine’s gambling regulator, PlayCity, has launched a new cooperation with YouTube in an effort to remove gambling advertisements that violate state law.The initial...
On August 28, 2026, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers approved a new nationwide strategy to fight against the rise of gambling addiction, with plans to reduce gambling harm by 2035.
As the first long-term measure against gambling addiction, the government plans to bring together social services, law enforcement, healthcare, and defense institutions to cooperate under a unified system. The strategy aims to prevent addiction, support those who suffer from it, and conduct enforcement action against illegal gambling operations.
Natalia Denikeieva, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, stated:
“For a long time, gambling addiction was perceived as a personal problem of a person. But its consequences are much broader: destroyed families, financial difficulties, job loss, mental health problems, and, in wartime, risks to national security.”
Under the initiative, awareness campaigns about gambling risks are expected to be carried out, while schools are set to introduce new classes to cover the dangers of gambling addiction. At the same time, authorities are planning to launch new treatments, offering psychological support, rehabilitation, and special programs specifically aimed at military personnel.
The government has also revealed that more than 40 agencies will be involved in the implementation of the strategy, including the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Veterans Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Social Policy, the Security Service of Ukraine, and state gambling regulator PlayCity.
