The Ukrainian National Lottery Company (UNL) has conducted survey – the first ever of its kind in the country – for finding out the number of people who understand the risks associated with gambling and the problems they could face.

 “There is a common practice in the world among national lottery operators called Responsible Gaming. It is developed by both the World Lotteries Association and the European State Lotteries Association, and is aimed at identifying and preventing problem gambling, researching, and many other activities, “ UNL General Director Andrei Bochkovsky said in an interview to RBC-Ukraine.

The study was conducted in association with the International Anti-Drug Association and the Center for Healthy Youth in 14 cities of Ukraine. The survey revealed that 66 per cent of players participate in lotteries about once a year, another 15 per cent play once every two to three months. Just about 2 per cent of the sample plays more than once a week.

“Our logic is quite simple: we focus on a healthy and satisfied player. If a person plays more and more, then over time we lose a client. Not to mention that the standard of living of such a person can fall dramatically: dependent people have problems in the family, at work, with thinking and health. If we talk about benefits and safety, then our goal is not frequent, but regular play for small money. A lottery game should bring joy and give a chance to fulfill the dream of a player,”  added Mr.  Bochkovskyi.

Source: E-PLAYOnline

The government of Belarus has recently proposed a mandatory $1 Million security deposit for online gambling companies. The online gambling operators fear that this will adversely affect their business.

While this is not a new thing – Italy requires a guarantee of € 1.5 million and Czech Republic requires € 1.1 million – this obligation could be problematic in Belarus, feel industry insiders.

Yulia Leshkova, Deputy Director of the Pari-Match betting network, said:  “Not all bookmakers in Belarus can afford to create a similar security deposit. Tightening the requirements will lead to a narrowing of the market and will deprive it of healthy competition.”

The governments insist on a security deposit for the simple reason that the gambling operators must be able to, regardless of financial circumstances, to pay the winnings, taxes, fees and duties, penalties and other mandatory payments. The guarantee is required to ensure such mandatory payments.

However, the hefty sum required as guarantee in Belarus, according to representatives of the industry, will negatively affect the country’s bookmaking market.