Ukraine to launch automated system blocking military from online gambling platforms

Ukraine’s Ministries of Digital Transformation and Defence have announced plans to introduce an automated mechanism that will prevent military personnel from accessing online gambling services.

The move, revealed via the ministry’s official Facebook page this week, aims to reduce problem gambling among military personnel during the ongoing martial law period.

The new system will function by cross-referencing log-in attempts on gambling platforms with two key databases: a list of barred individuals and the military personnel roster. 

If a match indicating restricted status is detected, access to online gambling services would be automatically blocked. 

Gambling operators would receive only a binary “yes/no” indication on whether access is permitted, without disclosure of any private or military-related information, according to ministry officials.

A preventative measure against gambling addiction

The initiative forms part of a broader, systematic effort to tackle gambling addiction. 

“We continue the systematic fight against gambling addiction. Our goal is to protect military personnel and their families from the risks and consequences of gambling addiction,” the announcement said on Tuesday.

It further noted collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Defence to limit the participation of Ukraine’s defenders in gambling activities during martial law.

This new mechanism has helped build upon legal restrictions introduced earlier in 2024. These barred service members from accessing online casinos during martial law and imposed tighter regulations on gambling advertising.

PlayCity’s enforcement action

The platform PlayCity, designated as the state agency responsible for regulating gambling and lotteries following a transfer of policy functions to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, will manage the rollout and enforcement of the login restriction system.

Enforcement against illegal gambling activities is already underway in Ukraine. In 2024, at the ministry’s request, Apple and Google removed dozens of unauthorised casino apps from their stores. Additionally, thousands of illicit gambling websites have been taken down by Ukrainian state services.

The initiative has formed part of a comprehensive digital overhaul aiming to regulate a substantial shadow gambling market. It has sought to reduce harm to vulnerable populations, including members of the military.

Officials have also indicated future ambitions to tighten advertising restrictions. To prevent abuse through multiple accounts, and expand technical measures to curb illegal operators.

PlayCity reported significant enforcement activity during the past year and will incorporate this log-in screen restriction into broader market supervision responsibilities.