Ukrainian gaming zone proposal waits for support

Alexander Pabat, a representative of the Solidarity political party, has urged to city council members to appeal to the Ukrainian parliament for creating a special gaming zone in Kyiv and legalising the slot machines.

He was forthright in his assessment of the situation. Even though gambling is banned in Ukraine, the number of citizens visit illegal gambling clubs. By allowing a special gaming zone, where people can lawfully engage in gambling activities, would only make thing better, he argued. However, the members of the council appear far from convinced. Some of them oppose the idea, some others support it, but with conditions. Some have concerns that all the money would go “into the pockets of corrupt officials,” but legalisation could support the state budget.

The suggestion was put to vote: only 44 deputies supported the legalisation of slot machines and the creation of a separate gambling zone in Kyiv, which was insufficient.

All these gambling centres work using the license of one of Ukrainian lottery operators. According to some experts, Ukraine loses billions of dollars because of the lack of effective gambling regulations.