Ukraine gambling regulator blocks 371 sites
07 June 2024 - 17:33Ukraine's crackdown on unauthorized gambling websites has escalated with the Ukrainian Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) blocking 371 domains deemed illegal. This enforcement, carried out in collaboration with security services, follows the issuance of Order No. 451/2256, mandating service providers to implement DNS server blocks.
KRAIL reported a flurry of regulatory actions during April and May, issuing approximately 1,000 orders to restrict access to domain names and their subdomains. Despite these measures, Ukraine's parliament has moved to dissolve KRAIL, citing operational inefficiencies exacerbated by the country's military engagements. Criticism has centered on KRAIL's structural requirements, where meetings require at least five out of six members for validity, often leading to cancellations and lengthy delays in processing license applications.
The legislative process includes a second parliamentary reading before potential enactment by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aiming to transfer gambling oversight temporarily to the Ministry of Digital Transformation pending establishment of a new regulatory body.
Additionally, Ukraine is advancing legislation to prohibit gambling among military personnel and restrict the use of military symbols in gambling advertisements.