Rating Group’s Survey Reveals 58% of Ukrainians Not in Favour of Gambling Legalisation

Rating Group’s latest survey has revealed that 58% of the Ukrainians are not in favour of gambling legalisation. However, about 48% said they are fine with the classic numerical lotteries.

Expert Ihor Halytsky charged on the government’s draft bill and said that they are aiming at restricting classical lottery while promoting other forms of gambling.

“Operators of numerical lotteries are already subject to 30% income tax, while they work legally and pay all taxes and fees. At the same time, illegal sites are, in principle, prohibited by law, but they supposedly may operate throughout the transitional period, even more so, for a minimal fee,” Halytsky said.

Recently, Ukraine’s parliament released the full text of the draft gambling bill. The new draft bill calls for legalising igaming, online betting, online poker and retail bookmaking.

To begin with, Ukraine will allow 10 online casino licenses, 10 online betting licenses, and five online poker licenses. On top of these, 80 retail bookmaker licenses will be issued.

There will be 20 casino licenses available only to five-star hotels. The hotels seeking to host a casino should have a minimum of 200 rooms if located in the capital city of Kiev and 150 rooms if it is in any other city.