Ukraine blocks military personnel from online gambling to curb addiction risks
Ukraine is rolling out a new system to block military personnel from accessing online gambling sites. The move comes as part of wider efforts to tackle gambling addiction among service members and their families. Authorities have described the initiative as a key step in protecting vulnerable individuals. The system will work by automatically cross-checking login attempts against military databases and a gambling prohibition registry. If a user is identified as active service personnel or listed in the registry, their access will be denied. Operators of gambling platforms will not receive details about restricted users, reducing the risk of data leaks.
PlayCity, the state gambling regulator, will manage the system's implementation. The body has already taken action against illegal gambling, blocking over 2,500 unauthorised casino websites and removing unlicensed apps. The new measures follow a 2024 decree by President Volodymyr Zelensky, which strengthened restrictions on military involvement in online gambling.
Officials have also signalled plans for stricter oversight in the future. This includes tighter controls on gambling advertising and ongoing monitoring of compliance. The Ministry of Digitalization and Ministry of Defence are involved, though specific enforcement details remain undisclosed. The blocking system aims to curb gambling-related harm within the armed forces while safeguarding personal data. With PlayCity leading the rollout, the focus now shifts to enforcement and long-term monitoring. Further restrictions on advertising and illegal platforms are expected to follow.
