Ukraine Report: 86 Percent of Players Prefer Licensed Online Casinos

The regulation of the Ukrainian gambling market is showing significant success in directing players toward legal channels. A comprehensive study, commissioned by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, now provides robust data on the current market situation. The results of the second phase of this study clarify that a large portion of the population values the protection provided by licensed operators, even as challenges in player protection and black market enforcement remain. Between May 19 and June 26 2026, 2,676 online casino users were surveyed for this report.

Interestingly, the motives for gambling appear to be shifting. While a previous nationwide study by PlayCity found that 70% of participants cited monetary gain as the primary reason, the current CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) survey places entertainment at the forefront. 40% of respondents identified curiosity and excitement as their main motivation. This psychological aspect is significant for regulators worldwide, as it shifts the focus away from pure profit expectations toward recreational enjoyment.

Numbers and facts

The study, conducted by the SOCIOINFORM Sociological Centre, paints a detailed picture of the user base. According to the data, 42% of participants hold a higher education degree, while 38% have specialized secondary education. Income levels are predominantly in the middle range: 31% earn between 11,000 and 30,000 hryvnias, with another 25% earning between 31,000 and 50,000 hryvnias monthly. The channelisation rate is remarkably high at 86%. Nevertheless, 33% of those who also use illegal sites stated that quick registration without identity checks is the main reason for doing so.

Findings regarding gambling behavior are concerning. Approximately 35% of respondents admitted that their gambling can sometimes become uncontrollable, with 6% stating this happens frequently. Around 25% occasionally attempt to chase losses with new wagers. these data points support the necessity of the state Strategy to Combat Gambling Addiction through 2035. Trust in public institutions is divided: 53% believe the sector is adequately regulated, while trust in the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the regulator PlayCity stands at 44%.

Background

PlayCity has just completed its inaugural year as Ukraine’s official gambling regulator. During this period, it issued 250 licenses to operators, lotteries, and suppliers. Simultaneously, the authority is taking rigorous action against unlicensed offerings. A recent example is the blocking of the prediction platform Polymarket by the NCEC (National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications). The basis was Resolution No. 695, issued on December 10 2025. Polymarket lacked the necessary local license and additionally hosted bets on the outcome of the war with Russia, reaching a volume of over $270 million.

The authorities are now also using direct communication channels with social platforms like Kick to more quickly remove advertisements for illegal casinos and corresponding streamers. The goal is to make access to the black market technically as difficult as possible.

„The survey found that 86% of respondents prefer licensed online casinos, with 78% stating they have no intention of switching to unlicensed, illegal operators." - Kathryn Evans, News Reporter at iGaming Business

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, these developments in Eastern Europe are quite relevant as they underscore the effectiveness of strict regulation. Similar to Ukraine, the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) aims for high channelisation into the legal market. Anyone wishing to play safely in Germany must pay attention to the whitelist of the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). Only there do legal protection mechanisms apply, such as the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros via the LUGAS system and the stake limit of a maximum of 1 euro per spin on virtual slot machines.

The Ukrainian study shows that anonymity and a lack of limits are the main attractions of the black market. In Germany, this is strictly prevented through the central OASIS exclusion system and identity verification. While some users may perceive this as a hurdle, it serves to protect against over-indebtedness and addiction. Playing with operators holding MGA or Curacao licenses means entering a legal gray area or direct illegality, as these licenses are not valid for online casinos and poker in Germany.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German licensees can learn from the Ukrainian data that transparency and education about player protection tools are essential. In Ukraine, only 10% of players knew about the national register for restricted persons, even though significantly more were aware of the existence of protection tools in general. GGL-licensed casinos must therefore take their information duties seriously to maintain user trust in the long term. A functioning legal market is based on players accepting the rules, which is impressively supported by the 86% figure from Ukraine. The focus on curiosity and excitement rather than pure profit maximization is also an important indicator for the marketing strategies of German operators to promote responsible gaming.