Ukrainian Survey Finds 75% View Gambling as Serious Social Issue

Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation published the results of a nationwide gambling survey on Thursday. The research, carried out by the Centre for Responsible Gaming and the Association of Ukrainian Gambling Operators, measured public attitudes and participation levels across the country.

Survey Scope and Participation

The study gathered responses from 3,164 adults, including 415 young people, 409 internally displaced persons and 404 military personnel. The data shows limited personal engagement with gambling activities. Approximately 84% of respondents do not identify as gamblers, while one in three stated they know no one who gambles. Only 5% participated in gambling during the past twelve months, and 2% engaged within the last month. Among former participants, 83% reported stopping, citing loss of interest (65%), financial constraints (23%) and addiction concerns (10%).

Public Perception and Regulatory Priorities

Despite low participation rates, 75% of respondents consider gambling a serious challenge for Ukraine. Financial gain remains the main driver, with 70% seeking to win money, 41% motivated by excitement and 17% influenced by entertainment, advertising or social factors. Adverse effects appear limited, as 83% reported no negative consequences and 93% did not lend money for gambling in the past year. Regulatory preferences lean toward stronger oversight: 74% support enhanced addiction protections, 67% back strict sector regulation and 50% want tighter advertising limits, even though only 4% said ads affected their own behavior.

Responsible Gaming Awareness

Familiarity with player protection tools correlates with recent gambling activity. Around 71% of recent players know they can view personal play statistics, 67% understand responsible gaming principles, 60% recognize time and financial limit options and 51% are aware of the national restricted-access register. The regulatory framework continues to develop alongside these findings. Authorities recently partnered with the streaming platform Kick to remove unlicensed gambling promotions and launched a public complaints system to address illegal advertising.