Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation released findings from a nationwide survey on gambling habits this Thursday. The research, conducted by the Centre for Responsible Gaming, analyzed responses from 3,164 adults, including 415 youth, 409 displaced persons, and 404 military personnel.
The data reveals a disconnect between public concern and personal engagement. While 75% of respondents view gambling as a significant national challenge, 84% do not identify as gamblers. One in three reported knowing no one who gambles.
Only 5% participated in gambling activities within the last year, and just 2% did so in the previous month.
Player Behavior and Awareness
Financial gain remains the primary driver, with 70% of players seeking monetary rewards. Emotional factors influenced 41%, while 17% cited entertainment or advertising. Most engagement is temporary; 83% of players reported stopping, primarily due to loss of interest (65%) or financial constraints (23%).
Regarding negative consequences, 83% denied adverse effects, and 93% had not lent money for gambling in the past year.
Regulation and Industry Response
Awareness of responsible gaming tools is high among active players, with 71% familiar with personal play statistics and 60% understanding limit-setting options. The majority of the public supports stricter oversight, as 74% advocate for enhanced addiction protections and 50% call for tighter advertising restrictions.
Coinciding with the survey release, the regulator partnered with the platform Kick to remove content promoting unlicensed gambling. Authorities also introduced a new online complaints tool to address illegal advertising.