A survey commissioned by Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation found that 86% of online casino players prefer licensed operators. 78% said they have no intention of switching to illegal sites. The study was conducted by sociological centre SOCIOINFORM between 19 May and 26 June 2026, with a sample of 2,676 online casino users using CAWI methodology.
One in five respondents knows someone who gambles on unlicensed sites. Reasons for turning to illegal platforms include fast registration without identity verification (33%), anonymity (17%) and the absence of limits (16%). The audience skews middle-class and educated: 42% hold a university degree, 38% a vocational qualification. 31% earn between UAH 11,000 and 30,000 per month, 25% between UAH 31,000 and 50,000. Men make up 73% of the sample, women 27%.
The main motivation for gambling is curiosity and excitement (40%). That is followed by distraction from daily routine (21%), promotions (20%) and the desire to win money (17%). 59% describe their gambling as controlled, but 35% admitted they sometimes lose control and 6% said it happens often. Around 25% chase losses, and the same proportion spend more than planned. 9% acknowledged that gambling has led to serious financial or family problems.
Awareness of responsible gambling tools is uneven. 64% know such tools exist, but specific mechanisms are familiar to a minority: 40% are aware of time and spending limits, 13% of play statistics, 11% of minimum age requirements, 10% of the national registry of persons with restricted access. 53% believe the sector is regulated adequately; 44% expressed trust in the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the regulator PlayCity. PlayCity completed its first year of operation having issued 250 licences to operators, lotteries and suppliers, and recently established contact with platform Kick to remove content advertising illegal operators.
