Ukraine Survey Shows Low Gambling Activity Levels

A nationwide study in Ukraine has revealed a striking gap between public concern about gambling and the number of people who actively take part in it, with most respondents describing gambling as a significant national issue despite relatively low participation rates.

The initial findings were released by Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and regulator PlayCity as part of a broader research project examining gambling’s impact on society. The survey gathered responses from 3,164 adults and included a representative mix of participants based on age, gender, region, and settlement type. The sample also incorporated specific groups such as 415 young people, 409 internally displaced persons (IDPs), and 404 military personnel, including active and demobilized service members.

According to the findings, 84% of respondents do not identify themselves as gamblers. Only 15% said they consider themselves gamblers, while one-third reported that they do not know anyone who participates in gambling activities.

The study found that just 5% of respondents had gambled during the previous 12 months, while only 2% had done so within the last 30 days. Despite these figures, public concern remains widespread. Three-quarters of those surveyed said they view gambling as a serious challenge for Ukraine.

Public Calls for Stronger Oversight

Respondents expressed broad support for tighter controls on the gambling sector. Around 74% said stronger measures are needed to protect people from gambling addiction, while 67% favored stricter regulation overall.

When asked about regulatory priorities, participants pointed to several areas where they believe authorities should focus their efforts. Enhanced supervision of online gambling operations was cited by 29% of respondents, while 27% highlighted the need to tackle illegal gambling activity. A further 19% emphasized stronger enforcement of age restrictions, and 15% supported increased public education and awareness campaigns about gambling-related risks.

The issue of illegal gambling drew particular concern. According to the survey, 78% of respondents believe unlicensed gambling operations directly harm Ukraine’s economy.

Advertising also emerged as a major area of interest. Nearly half of respondents identified tighter restrictions on gambling advertisements as a key regulatory objective. At the same time, very few participants viewed advertising as a major influence on their own gambling decisions.

Recent regulatory efforts have included cooperation between PlayCity and the streaming platform Kick to remove content promoting unlicensed gambling services. Authorities have also introduced an online complaints mechanism designed to help the public report illegal gambling advertisements.

Motivations and Gambling Experiences

Among those surveyed, the most commonly perceived reason people gamble was the opportunity to win money. Around 70% selected financial gain as the primary motivation. Excitement and emotional engagement ranked second, with 41% identifying those factors as key drivers.

Far fewer respondents pointed to external influences such as advertising, social circles, entertainment, or distraction from personal problems. These factors generally received support from approximately 15% to 17% of participants.

The research suggests that gambling participation often proves temporary. Among respondents who had experience with gambling, 83% reported that they had stopped. The most frequently cited reason was a loss of interest, mentioned by 65% of former participants. Financial limitations accounted for 23% of responses, while 10% said concerns about developing gambling addiction contributed to their decision to quit.

Most respondents reported little direct exposure to harmful consequences linked to gambling. According to the survey, 83% said they had not experienced negative effects. In addition, 93% stated they had not borrowed money from friends or acquaintances for gambling purposes during the previous year.

Awareness of Responsible Gambling Measures

The survey found higher awareness of responsible gambling tools among people who had recently participated in gambling activities.

Among those who gambled during the previous month, 71% were aware that they could request access to their personal gambling statistics. Awareness of responsible gaming principles stood at 67%, while 60% knew about available tools that allow players to establish spending and time limits. Slightly more than half, 51%, were familiar with the national register that restricts certain individuals from accessing gambling services.

The research also examined groups frequently considered vulnerable to gambling-related risks. Findings did not support assumptions that internally displaced persons participate in gambling at higher rates than the general population. Their gambling activity appeared consistent with national averages.

Researchers identified young adults and military personnel as groups facing comparatively higher levels of risk. These findings are expected to help shape future prevention strategies and awareness programs.

Some targeted measures are already in place. Ukrainian authorities have launched an automated system that blocks military personnel from accessing gambling websites while preserving user privacy. In addition, regulations introduced during 2024 prohibit members of the armed forces from entering casinos during martial law. More recently, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a mechanism designed to further restrict gambling access for service members during the ongoing wartime period.

Officials said the current publication represents only the first phase of a larger research initiative. Future stages will examine player behavior in greater detail, assess levels of gambling-related risk, and evaluate the effectiveness of responsible gambling tools. A more comprehensive report is expected to be released in August and will be used to support future regulatory decisions and player-protection policies.