The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted the draft law on the legalization of gambling business
Ukraine has got a step closer to the legalization of gambling, as The Cabinet of Ministers has approved plans for the official opening of casinos in five-star hotels.
On September 29, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved a government action plan, as well as a bill on the legalization of gambling in Ukraine. The government announced that gambling “will be conducted only on the territory of hotels using gaming equipment with software that meets international standards.”
President Vladimir Zelensky plans to stimulate the development of the tourism industry along the Black Sea coast by opening casinos in five-star hotels. Prime Minister Alexei Goncharuk said that the government estimates the income from the legalization of gambling at 2-2.5 billion hryvnias (83 million – 103.5 million dollars). He seeks to stop the creation of illegal gambling halls.
Almost all types of gambling were banned in Ukraine in 2009 after a fire in a casino. Since then, there has been a black market for gambling – both online and land-based.
According to the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, the opening of gaming halls will be allowed in three- and four-star hotels and full-fledged casinos will be allowed only in five-star hotels. There will also be created as a special agency responsible for licensing and regulation. As for licenses, only a limited number of licenses will be issued, and the price will be determined by auction.