The president has signed a law to dissolve KRAIL and enhance regulation in the gambling market.

The document outlines, among other things, the establishment of limits on spending and gaming time, as well as a ban on gambling advertisements.

https://zaxid.net/prezident_pidpisav_zakon_pro_likvidatsiyu_krail_i_posilennya_kontrolyu_na_gralnomu_rinku_n16010832025-01-05 10:36:35

On Friday, January 3, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the bill №9256-д, which aims to dissolve the Commission for Regulation of Gambling (KRAIL) and strengthen control over the gambling market. This is stated in the bill card published on the website of the Verkhovna Rada.

As reported by MP and member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Taxation, and Customs Policy Yaroslav Zheleznyak, the "Law on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Aimed at Combating Gambling Addiction (Ludomania) and Improving State Regulation of Activities Related to the Organization and Conduct of Gambling and Lotteries" includes:

dissolution of KRAIL and redistribution of its powers by April 1, 2025, between a newly established body and the relevant ministry, which will formulate policy in the field of gambling and lotteries;

implementation of a mechanism to restrict access to illegal gambling websites and mobile applications;

prohibition of gambling advertisements, with exceptions for advertising on TV and radio during nighttime, in media for individuals over 21 years of age, on platforms and search engines targeting an audience over 21 years.

Such advertisements will be prohibited from:

offering or reimbursing costs for participation in gambling;

making phone calls, sending messages to an undefined circle of people;

offering free bonuses instead of placing a bet.

Additionally, advertisements will prohibit the participation of military personnel, volunteers, celebrities, and the use of themes related to war.

The document stipulates a ban on granting licenses to owners or officials of gambling companies that have tax debts or debts related to license payments.

Payments for conducting gambling will only be allowed in cash through current accounts in banks. The use of other payment services is prohibited. Sponsorship is also banned, except for sponsorship in sports.

Lotteries will be subject to most gambling business restrictions: requirements for the reputation of officials, tax debts, relations with the aggressor country, and exclusively banking transactions.

Limits will be set on spending and playing time, as well as mandatory breaks. Furthermore, "control purchases" during inspections with video recording will be implemented. Accepting bets on credit or with deferred payment is also prohibited.

As reported by ZAXID.NET, on December 4, MPs approved the bill to strengthen control in the gambling market, which includes the dissolution of the Commission for Regulation of Gambling (KRAIL).

The Commission was established after the legalization of gambling in 2020 and gained a scandalous reputation, particularly after granting a license to the 1XBet network, which had owners from Russia. The proposal to dissolve KRAIL was made as early as 2022, and in May 2023, the draft law for its dissolution was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada. However, the deputies did not approve the draft law and supported another one, №9256-д, which also includes restrictions for the gambling business. The draft law was adopted as a basis in April 2024.

It is worth noting that on December 18, the head of KRAIL, Ivan Rudyi, was detained due to connections with the Russian online casino Pin-Up. During searches at the KRAIL head's home, drugs were found among other items.