Zelensky signed a law to strengthen control over online casinos.

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill that provides for the cessation of the activities of the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL).

According to this bill, KRAIL will be replaced by a new authorized body by April 1, 2025, which will not have a collegial status. A ministry will also be created to formulate policies in the field of gambling business and lotteries.

The bill also includes restrictions on gambling in Ukraine, in particular:

• defining additional measures to restrict access to gambling establishments and participation in gambling for potentially vulnerable population groups during martial law;
• improving control instruments for the gambling business, such as undercover purchases and monitoring of the Internet;
• establishing additional criteria for license revocation, improving requirements for the impeccable business reputation of officials of gambling organizers, and establishing requirements for service providers in the gambling sector.

The document also prohibits advertisement of gambling, except for advertisements on television and radio during nighttime, in media for people over 21 years old, and on platforms and search engines for audiences aged 21 and older.

The advertising is prohibited from featuring military personnel, volunteers, celebrities, and from using themes related to war.

Earlier, the head of KRAIL, Ivan Rudyi, was detained by employees of the State Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Prosecutor General on suspicion of aiding representatives of the Russian Federation.

On April 24, the Verkhovna Rada held the first reading of the bill on the cessation of KRAIL's activities and strengthening control over the gambling business.