Ukraine seeks to streamline licensing suspension processes in the gaming sector
Ukraine seeks to streamline licensing suspension processes in the gaming sector

A set of proposals presented by the Ukrainian regulator, the Commission for the Regulation of Games and Lotteries (KRAIL), were inserted in the government’s action plan for 2023, including a reform of the laws regarding the suspension and cancellation process of the licenses of the operators of the gaming sector.

Ukraine’s cabinet of ministers approved the 2023 action plan on March 14, a document that includes more than 500 government priorities. The list includes a series of bills and resolutions that, according to the government, aim to systematize its political approach in the coming year.

Process reform for the gaming industry

Among the proposals is a bill to be submitted to the Rada – the country’s legislative body – which deals with the procedures for suspending operator licenses during martial law, and lists the formal steps for reviewing these measures after the cancellation of the measure.

The law also contains provisions prohibiting the use in Ukraine of brands of companies in the gaming sector owned by residents of aggressor states, as well as creating processes that would suspend operators’ licenses if companies offer betting in any Ukrainian territory occupied by powers. hostile foreigners.

State capacity improvements

The regulator also proposes a large-scale bill that would improve the State’s capacity in the field of gambling regulation. The proposal aims to reinforce the current procedures for suspending, renewing and canceling licenses, establishing a new certification and inspection framework for gaming equipment and increasing the effectiveness of state supervision of the gaming market.

The law would also seek to strengthen legal mechanisms to minimize problem gambling, increase State revenues, combat the illegal market, as well as improve mechanisms for implementing investment activity for the country’s gaming market.

Parimatch Suspension in Ukraine

The reform of the gaming sector comes against the background of the ongoing invasion of the country by the Russian armed forces. In this context, Ukraine was quick to suspend the licenses of operators operating in Russia or Russian-occupied territory.

This month, sports betting operator Parimatch found itself the victim of such government sanctions, against accusations the operator vehemently denied.