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Legalization in Ukraine: “to be” or “not to be”?
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Ukraine is on the cusp of legalizing gambling. After a 10-year ban, the new government made the adoption of the law one of its top priorities.
Discussion around legalizing gambling has been ongoing almost since the ban in 2009. Over the past five years, several bills have been put in front of parliament. Moreover, in 2018, the authorities promised the IMF to legalize all gambling in order to receive additional revenues to the budget. But not one of the bills were supported, and IMF promises were not kept with state’s budget ultimately missing out.
However, in June this year, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to prepare a bill on the legalization of gambling by October 1, and the parliament to adopt it by December 1, 2019.
The systematic follower of legalization was Alexander Danilyuk, who was dismissed on September 30 from the post of secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. Vladimir Groysman from the Ministry of Finance in the government then took over the mantle. He tried, in every possible way, to promote licensing conditions for the legalization of the gambling business but wasn’t able to bring a draft policy to parliament. Groysman again recently drew attention to the fact that the gambling business in Ukraine is operating “in the shadows” and has a billion UAH turnover that is not being taxed. He argues that the industry must be legalized and the parliament has every opportunity to quickly do this.
A few days ago, the Minister of Finance of Ukraine Oksana Markarova, presented the draft budget for 2020 in parliament and stated that the bill on the legalization of gambling is one of the priorities, since its adoption will provide a significant additional resource forthe state’s budget.
The lifting of the ban on gambling and liberalization of the economy as a whole is also actively supported by two of the largest players in the Ukrainian betting market: the international holding Parimatch and the company Favorit Sport.
CEO of the international betting holding Parimatch, Sergey Portnov in a comment to Ukrinform noted: “We are pleased that current and modern regulatory standards that will be created for the Ukrainian market at the legislative level, which will introduce clear, balanced rules for market players, the state and consumers. Parimatch is interested and supports the adoption of a systematic liberal law that will create an equal and transparent environment for all market participants. Thanks to many years of extensive international experience, our knowledge and expertise can be useful in an open dialogue between lawmakers, lawyers, experts and other participants in the process. We are as open as possible to this dialogue.”
Yekaterina Mashevskaya, Communications Director at Favorit Sport, believes that the main goal of the upcoming bill is to “standardize the industry according to European standards and attract additional cash receipts to the state budget. Mashevskaya comments that the “The bill will create conditions for the development of our market, the creation of new jobs, and the attraction of foreign investment Creating transparent conditions and openness to cooperation is the leitmotif of the current government and we welcome such initiatives. Gambling industry is high-tech. The legalization of the gambling business in Ukraine will provide an opportunity to develop the gaming industry in Ukraine, and this is actually a ‘blue ocean’ for the state.”
Gaming and betting industries in countries with adequate, civilized legislation are one of the main partners of the state for the funding and delivery of sports and charity projects. State funds are being created, which are funded by betting companies, and inclusive projects work from these finances. The new law on the legalization of gambling in Ukraine, first of all, should be a partnership between the government and business. It should include transparent, clear standards that create the operating conditions for those companies that want to contribute to society.
On September 30, during a presentation of the Government’s Action Program, Prime Minister Alexei Goncharuk announced that the Cabinet of Ministers would submit a bill on legalization of gambling business to the parliament in the coming days. “We want the slot machines to disappear from the streets, so the government developed a bill on behalf of the President. Yesterday, we voted for it, and in the coming days – today or tomorrow – it will be submitted to parliament.” Goncharuk said, noting that gambling will be held exclusively on the territory of hotels, the issue of lotteries is separately regulated.
The prime minister expects that the legalization of gambling will replenish the state budget by 2-2.5 billion UAH; “If we are talking about the revenue side of the budget, we expect that we will receive about 2-2.5 billion UAH due to the legalization of gambling in the budget. But we must also consider, we must understand what law will be adopted.”
Both experts and the Prime Minister agree that Ukraine needs a transparent law and a process that will formulate clear and liberal rules for all market participants. The state has all the opportunities to get the necessary expertise to prepare a balanced law. Have the lawmakers listened? Well, there is still no sign of the new law in parliament yet…but we should find out very soon.
The article was published by the state information agency ‘UKRINFORM’
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Legalization in Ukraine: “to be” or “not to be”?

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The anatomy of a high-performing iGaming platform: a guide from Slotegrator
Slotegrator, a gambling solutions provider and game aggregator, has released new downloadable material about the key components of a successful online casino platform. The guide includes practical checklists to help beginners set up platforms from scratch and experts enhance their projects.
In the iGaming industry, a project’s long-term success depends on the power and versatility of its platform. But that platform can’t be based on any old software; just like how you can’t have a car without four wheels and an engine, there are vital components to an online casino platform.
So what are they?
Let’s start with first impressions. The frontend is the “face” of a platform. Almost 75% of players judge a gambling website based on its appearance, and 88% of users won’t return after a negative experience.
Key frontend elements include:
- Branding (visitors should understand the idea from the first glance)
- Navigation (everything should be simple and easy to find)
- Transparency (players must have easy access to relevant information)
- Localization (adoption of language, currency and cultural norms).
If the frontend is the face, the backend is the brain. It should contain all the tools for successful online casino management. A quality backend should give the operator total, real-time monitoring and control over every aspect of a business — payment processing, regulatory compliance, game statistics, player data, retention strategies, analytics, compliance, player support, and everything else.
New operators often find themselves trying to choose whether to build such a platform in-house or to outsource the job. Slotegrator’s report carefully weighs the pros and cons of each option and reaches a clear conclusion: in-house development might save a little money in the short term, but it’ll cost much more in the long run.
“We created this guide to help operators to understand what truly belongs in a successful iGaming platform. An engaging frontend and a powerful backend are essential tools for attracting and retaining players. The guide is a valuable resource for evaluating a platform’s strengths and weaknesses and building a clear promotion strategy”, says Svetlana Kirichenko, Head of Marketing at Slotegrator.
Slotegrator’s guide also includes several key checklists:
- Essential frontend functions
- Key backend features
- Necessary modules for platform architecture (featuring a real example of Slotegrator’s turnkey online casino platform.
Download the guide via the link.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.
The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.
The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.
Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.
The post The anatomy of a high-performing iGaming platform: a guide from Slotegrator appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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PAGCOR ORDERS TAKEDOWN OF GAMBLING BILLBOARDS
In a memorandum issued on July 7, PAGCOR directed all licensees, suppliers, system administrators, and gaming venue operators to take down gambling ad materials, including those displayed on trains, buses, jeepneys, and taxis.
The agency emphasized that only institutional or responsible gaming campaigns—subject to PAGCOR’s approval—will be permitted moving forward.
“We have given all our licensees and stakeholders until August 15 to completely remove all gambling-related ads,” said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
“Prior to that, stakeholders must also submit an inventory of their existing billboard and wallscape advertisements by July 16.”
The inventory, according to Mr. Tengco, must include the size, material, location, rental contract expiration, and the corresponding permit number from the Ad Standards Council (ASC).
The PAGCOR chief said the move is part of the state gaming agency’s commitment to promote a safer and more responsible gaming environment in the country.
“While PAGCOR is mandated to regulate the gaming industry and generate revenues for nation-building, we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction,” he said.
“Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth.”
The agency also warned against replacing the dismantled advertisements with new gambling promotions, stressing that non-compliance will be dealt with accordingly.
The post PAGCOR ORDERS TAKEDOWN OF GAMBLING BILLBOARDS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Week 28/2025 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Spinomenal has released its latest title, Queen of Oasis. Set against the rolling ancient Egyptian dunes and lush, palm-lined oases, Queen of Oasis immerses players in an elegant world of riches. Camels, vultures, antelopes, snakes, and the powerful Queen herself bring this 5-reel slot to life. The reels sit within two ornate marble pillars where the bejewelled Queen represents the Wild symbol.
TaDa Gaming has released Golden Bank 2, a sequel to the popular Golden Bank slot. With a 10,000x max win and exciting features, Golden Bank 2 engage players with its immersive gameplay and the potential for substantial payouts. Set in a golden vault, Golden Bank 2 combines the simplicity of classic slots with the thrill of modern mechanics. With vibrant graphics and a dynamic soundtrack, the game immerses players in an exciting, high-stakes atmosphere.
Evoplay has launched Belfry Bliss Hold and Win, a fiery 5×3 slot that blends retro-inspired visuals with a darker twist on the fan-favourite Hold and Win mechanic. Set against a backdrop of flames and ringing bells, the game reintroduces Evoplay’s mischievous Devil character, not as a foe, but as a Wild symbol, lighting the way to potential wins. Classic slot icons like sevens, bars and cherries return, but the real action begins when the bells drop.
Brute Force: Alien Onslaught reunites the original Brute Force members… with a surprise addition. Joshua and Jason have recruited the help of Jade, a fearless mercenary, who doesn’t know defeat. This game joins the ranks of signature Nolimit City slots like Fire In The Hole 3, Highway To Hell and most recently Flight Mode. It’s time to lock and load, once again! Unlike the prequel, Brute Force: Alien Onslaught features a 6 reel setup, wilds and a new baddie, Xylox, who can steal multipliers from Joshua, Jason and Jade.
Push Gaming has returned to the deep blue with Fish ‘n’ Nudge Big Catch, a reimagined follow-up to one of its most beloved recent titles. Building on the charm and success of the originalFish ‘n’ Nudge, Big Catch brings fresh energy to the series with a new take on free spins and added layers of excitement designed to engage both loyal fans and new players.
Play’n GO unveils Rise of Orpheus, a mythical slot that takes players deep into the Underworld in pursuit of love, light, and powerful gameplay features. Following in the footsteps of mythology-inspired favourites like Gates of Troy and Rise of Olympus, Rise of Orpheus brings the tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to life through emotionally charged mechanics and immersive storytelling.
Playson welcomes the return of its mischievous trickster in Super Pink Joker: Hold and Win, who features as a Wild during base play before shapeshifting into a lavish Multiplier for the renowned Hold and Win Bonus. Set in a dazzling pink world full of energy, the release cranks up the heat with dynamic animations and upbeat audio, with the jester taking his place on the enlarged 5×3 grid alongside electrified coins and cartoon-style fruits.
Blueprint Gaming™ reignites the prehistoric fun in its latest major branded IP release, The Flintstones™ Bedrock Riches, led by two lavish bonus games and an intriguing base play trail. The series’ original, The Flintstones™, enjoyed a strong initial uptake in users following its launch in May 2024, with players gravitating towards the familiarity of the brand and series. The renowned slot studio now feels confident the latest offering has built on key features and aims to retain players long term.
ELA Games, a dynamic game development studio, announces the release of John’s Book, its modern take on timeless themes and mechanics. The game invites players to join John the Explorer to hunt for ancient treasures buried in a Pharaoh’s tomb. Rich with iconic symbols and familiar mechanics, John’s Book is a tribute to the well-loved “Book Of…” format that’s prevalent in the industry while adding its twists. With high replayability, easy-to-understand features, and an immersive design, this title appeals to both veteran and casual players.
Players get to dig deeper with every spin as they search for gems and big wins in Wild Gold Mine, the latest slot release for iGaming content provider, ICONIC21. Wild Gold Mine promises a glistening player experience thanks to a cart-load of features, including a unique bonus that makes an appearance for the very first time in an ICONIC21 slot.
“Hellish 7 Hold & Win”, (Höllische 7 Hold & Win in German) is now live, a spicy Classic Series slot from the Berlin-based developer Hölle Games. This is a new summer edition in the Hellish Seven franchise, known for its high volatility, hellishly good payouts, and hard rock riffs. The new entry features Hold & Win, where, if players can fill the reels with (any) cash symbol, they will win the impressive 7777x main prize!
Tom Horn Gaming is kicking off July with Panda Rica, a fast-paced 3×3 video slot that delivers simple yet captivating mechanics and vibrant visuals. From expanding wilds and multiplier wins to Star Gamble Ladder, the game is a standout addition to the supplier’s growing portfolio of slot titles. Designed for quick sessions and high engagement, Panda Rica combines classic slot appeal with clever gameplay that elevates the player experience.
Prepare for an unforgettable summer as Endorphina announces the highly anticipated release of Sticky Lips, its latest captivating slot. This visually striking title invites players into a vibrant world where Endorphina’s Joker makes a remarkable return, blowing irresistible kisses to make their winnings truly stick. She’s wild, she’s wicked – and her lips are ready to stick you with luck! Dare to stare into her eyes in this 5-reel 4-row slot with 50 fixed paylines and prove your worth to get a lucky, juicy kiss. With every spin, her lips glow and tempt, hungry to lock in golden wins.
The post Week 28/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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