Ukraine set to block military personnel from online gambling
Ukraine will introduce an automated system to block military personnel from accessing online gambling platforms, as authorities intensify efforts to curb gambling harm during martial law.
Announced by the Ministries of Digital Transformation and Defence, the mechanism will cross-check login attempts against a database of barred individuals and an active military roster. If a match is identified, access will be automatically denied. Operators will receive only a binary “yes/no” response, with no disclosure of personal or military data.
Officials said the measure builds on restrictions introduced in 2024, which prohibited service members from using online casinos and tightened advertising rules. The initiative is aimed at protecting military personnel and their families from gambling-related harm during the ongoing conflict.
State regulator PlayCity will oversee rollout and enforcement. Authorities have already stepped up action against illegal gambling sites, with Apple and Google removing unauthorised apps and thousands of illicit gambling sites blocked as part of a broader market crackdown.
Ukraine had previously banned online casinos for an 11-year period from 2009, but has since regulated and licensed various gambling sites to operate in the country, under the authority of the PlayCity regulator.
