Sports betting is legal in Ukraine following the passage of comprehensive gambling legislation in 2020 that reversed the country's previous ban on gambling activities. The Law of Ukraine on State Regulation of Activities on Organization and Conduct of Gambling (Law No. 768-IX) established a regulated framework for various forms of gambling, including sports betting, online casinos, and land-based operations (1). This legislation ended a decade-long prohibition that had banned gambling business and participation in gambling activities since 2009, creating new opportunities for both domestic and international operators to enter the Ukrainian market legally.
The regulatory landscape has undergone significant changes recently, with Ukraine dissolving its original gambling regulator KRAIL (Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries) in 2025 due to corruption allegations and ineffective oversight (2). The government established a new regulatory body called PlayCity under the Ministry of Digital Transformation to oversee gambling operations moving forward. This transition reflects Ukraine's commitment to maintaining proper regulatory oversight while addressing concerns about the previous regulator's performance and alleged connections to Russian-linked gambling operations.
"The newly created entity, the State Agency of Ukraine PlayCity, will replace the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), which is scheduled for formal liquidation by 1 April."
Sports betting operators in Ukraine must obtain proper licensing from the regulatory authority and comply with strict operational requirements (1). Only Ukrainian legal entities can hold gambling licenses, though these companies may be owned or controlled by foreign investors, with specific restrictions preventing Russian companies from participation. The regulatory framework includes consumer protection measures, advertising restrictions, and requirements for responsible gambling practices. Licensed sports betting platforms must verify customer identities, prevent underage gambling, and implement measures to identify and assist problem gamblers, ensuring a safe and regulated betting environment for Ukrainian consumers.
Source:
https://www.gc.gov.ua/en/
https://next.io/news/regulation/ukraine-introduces-new-gambling-regulator-following-krail-collapse/
Last updated: 15-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
