Ukraine survey shows 86% of online casino players prefer licensed operators

The Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation has released the second phase of a government-backed study into online gambling habits, with 86% of online casino players saying they prefer licensed operators. The ministry published the findings on Wednesday, following research by the SOCIOINFORM Sociological Centre between 19 May and 26 June 2026. The study used an online CAWI methodology, surveyed 2,676 online casino users, and was supported by the Centre for Responsible Gaming and the Association of Ukrainian Gambling Operators. It builds on a nationwide gambling study first published by PlayCity, Ukraine's state regulator.

Channelisation and the illegal market

78% of respondents said they have no intention of switching to unlicensed operators, indicating strong channelisation towards the legal market. However, unlicensed gambling still has a presence: one in five players reported knowing friends who play on illegal sites. Among those who engage with illegal platforms, the main reasons cited were quick registration without identity checks (33%), anonymity (17%) and the absence of restrictions or limits (16%).

Player profile

The survey paints a picture of online casino players as predominantly middle-income and educated. 42% of respondents had completed higher education, while 38% held secondary specialised qualifications. Monthly income was concentrated in the mid-range, with 31% earning UAH 11,000–30,000 (roughly €210–510) and 25% earning UAH 31,000–50,000. The sample was heavily male at 73%, and men were more likely to report long experience: 20% had gambled for more than a decade, compared with 5% of women. Most participants also had considerable gambling experience, with many having started before Ukraine's market liberalisation.

Motivations and player behaviour

Curiosity and excitement were the most commonly cited reasons for playing, at 40%, followed by distraction from daily life (21%) and promotions (20%). Around 17% said they were motivated by the desire to win money, and 14% cited social encouragement. This contrasts sharply with PlayCity's earlier population-wide survey, where 70% of respondents named monetary gain as their primary motive.

Most participants — 59% — described their gambling as recreational and controlled. Yet 35% admitted their play can sometimes become uncontrollable, and 6% said this happens frequently. Nearly a quarter reported chasing losses or spending more than intended, and 9% said gambling had caused serious financial, family or personal problems.

Responsible-gambling awareness

Awareness of responsible-gambling measures remains patchy. While 64% of players knew such tools exist, specific knowledge was lower: about two-thirds recognised self-control features and 40% were aware of time and spending limits. Only 13% knew they could access their own gaming statistics, 11% were aware of the minimum legal gambling age, and just 10% knew about the national Register of Persons with Restricted Access to Gambling. Fewer than 10% were aware of restrictions on certain bonuses or of addiction support institutions. These figures also diverge from the earlier nationwide survey, which found 60% awareness of time and financial limits and 51% awareness of the national register. The findings feed into the Ministry's Strategy to Combat Gambling Addiction through 2035, which focuses on prevention, early risk detection, monitoring and support services.

Trust and regulatory context

Confidence in the regulatory system is mixed. 53% of respondents believe gambling is adequately regulated, while trust in the Ministry of Digital Transformation and PlayCity stood at 44%. Only 22% said they were well informed about the institutions' roles, and 30% somewhat familiar. PlayCity, which took over from the previous regulator Krail following Ukraine's 2020 legalisation, has just completed its first year in charge, issuing 250 licences to operators, lotteries and suppliers. The regulator has also stepped up enforcement, including establishing direct communication channels with social platform Kick to speed up removal of content promoting unlicensed gambling.