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Ukrainian gambling: to be, or not to be, that is (already not) the question
Reading Time: 4 minutes
After significant and protracted deliberations, Ukraine finally legalized gambling activities back in 2020. The Law on the governance of the organization and carrying out of gambling activities became effective almost half a year ago. As of the date of writing this article, already 3 licenses have been granted to online casinos for their gambling activities to be performed in the future.
There is still a number of issues and, despite all efforts, the gambling market seems to be standstill except for the mentioned minor movements by local online players obtaining licenses. As of now, it seems that no big international market players are entering the newly born Ukrainian gambling market. So, let`s discuss whether it is all going somewhere and if that somewhere is in the right direction.
Ukrainian gambling market background
To see a broader picture, one should unveil the historical background of the current gambling market legalization in Ukraine. First of all, it’s worth mentioning that the Ukrainian gambling market has been actually reopened, but not developed from scratch.
The previously operating Ukrainian gambling market was not so much a success story as one might imagine. There were no huge and fancy casinos like in Las Vegas, but rather a market consisting of different establishments, some of them even legal and compliant. They were shut down by decisive moves of the state authorities in 2009 due to the lack of comprehensive regulations and effective control over their execution, which irreversibly led to negative consequences. As a result, the mentioned flaws contributed to the growth of black and grey gambling services markets. Moreover, the lack of strict rules and their enforcement also formed a public opinion that the gambling market was something antisocial and dirty. Ukrainians still remember well those times when slot machine halls literally surrounded public transport stops and were filled with some not exactly wealthy people giving up their last money in pursuit of a snatch.
At that time, Ukrainian authorities decided to use muscles instead of brains and banned all gambling activities instead of introducing reasonable regulation and taking the situation under control. Thus, starting from mid-2009, all gambling operators were forced to leave the wild, but rapidly growing market. However, as one may guess, the Ukrainian gambling ban was not far from the Prohibition in the United States in terms of its results. Ukrainian gambling market simply went undercover, depriving the Ukrainian budget of significant contributions previously made by the industry.
What are the current challenges for the Ukrainian gambling market?
Not so long ago, a logical step was taken by Ukraine and the gambling activities ban was lifted. However, same as in the case with the Ukrainian land market, things are not perfectly smooth and there are still some obstacles in place.
For instance, while three online casinos have already paid for and received licenses, they still can`t fully realize and enjoy the rights of an online casino operator. The reason is that the necessary regulations applicable to certification of the equipment to be used in casinos haven`t been adopted yet. Additionally, there is still a certain lack of clarity in terms of taxation of gambling activities. Some say that a specific volume-based tax will be introduced. However, considering that the licensed operators can`t get any revenues in the absence of the regulations to certify their equipment, the issue of taxation seems to be too far to think about.
Apart from that, one should note that this time Ukrainian government decided to seriously take advantage of the gambling market by imposing comparatively high license fees, financial thresholds, and location requirements (for offline casinos). For instance, the license fee is around USD 1.1 million for online casinos (for 5 years) and USD 10 million for offline casinos if based in Kyiv (additional equipment fees will also apply). Moreover, a gambling operator must have a share capital of at least USD 1.1 million and a deposit account or Ukrainian bank guarantee for USD 1.2 million.
As to the location requirements, under the new legislation, casinos can be opened only at 5-star hotels with at least 150 rooms in Kyiv, 4- and 5-star hotels with at least 100 rooms in other regions, out-of-town resorts with a total area of at least 10,000 m2 or “special gaming zones” within territories to be further defined by the Ukrainian government.
Under the new law, various restrictive regulations of a similar character also apply to betting, slot machine halls, and online poker activities.
Opportunities and additional obligations for Ukrainian gambling operators
It is worth mentioning that there are some opportunities for the new market players. The new law provides that such players may obtain investment licenses. Holders of such licenses will be exempt from license fees for 10 years if they build a new 5-star hotel with at least 200 rooms in Kyiv or 150 rooms in another Ukrainian region.
Ukrainian gambling operators will be also obliged to follow certain gambling standards and policies aimed at preventing gambling addiction. The government plans to launch a state-owned online monitoring system. The system will perform a real-time oversight and control of the Ukrainian gambling industry.
To sum it all up, it’s an important aspect that different people might make different conclusions as to the above. Pessimists might claim that this time, the gambling market launch in Ukraine has little chance to become interesting for the largest international market players. However, if evaluated by opportunists, entering the Ukrainian gambling market is definitely worth a shot.
High financial thresholds and strict regulations ensure that the market will not slip into putting dirty slot machines centered around metro stations. It is more likely that the Ukrainian gambling industry will at least somehow resemble what one may observe in wealthy locations like Las Vegas. This puts confidence into the minds of potential investors because the government will not be in a position to cut its own leg by banning a well-governed and budget-supporting industry.
The readiness of the local online casino market players to pay for the licenses which can`t be yet used proves the above statement to be true. It also leads to a conclusion that gambling investors should already be on their way to Ukraine in order to be in a time when the market starts to operate and extreme profits flow into the hands of the few pioneers.
This article has been created with the help of Oleksandr Aleksyeyenko (Partner at Marchenko Partners) and Sviatoslav Henyk (Senior Associate at Marchenko Partners)
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Award-winning game studio Peter & Sons has expanded its reach in Denmark through a new partnership with Spillehallen, one of the country’s most trusted and innovative gaming brands.
Spillehallen is a 100% Danish-owned company with over 45 years of experience in the national gaming industry. Known for its craftsmanship and visionary development team, Spillehallen has successfully transitioned from the world of physical slot machines to the online space, bringing its rich legacy to Spillehallen.dk. The company’s goal has always been to recreate the authentic feel and functionality of traditional Danish slots while enhancing them with modern design and technology.
Through this collaboration, Spillehallen players will gain access to Peter & Sons’ expanding portfolio of video slots, celebrated for their handcrafted art, cinematic sound design, and imaginative mechanics. Titles such as Barbarossa, Voodoo Hex, and Wild One reflect the studio’s signature approach — blending storytelling, bold aesthetics, and engaging gameplay to create unforgettable experiences.
Denmark stands as one of Europe’s most mature and well-regulated iGaming markets, making it a natural fit for Peter & Sons’ continued growth strategy. The partnership with Spillehallen underscores the studio’s mission to deliver creative, story-rich, and premium-quality gaming experiences to players in regulated markets worldwide.
Yann Bautista, Commercial Director & Founder at Peter & Sons, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Spillehallen — a brand that shares our passion for quality, innovation, and entertainment. Their deep roots in Danish gaming and their modern approach to digital experiences make them the perfect partner for our continued expansion in Denmark.”
Jacob Frostholm, Casino Manager at Spillehallen added: “Peter & Sons’ games stand out for their artistic style and creative gameplay. We’re excited to bring their unique worlds to our players and continue building on our tradition of offering the best and most entertaining gaming experiences in Denmark.”
This partnership marks another key milestone for Peter & Sons as it continues its expansion across Europe following recent launches in markets such as the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands.
The post Peter & Sons Expands Its Danish Presence Through Partnership with Spillehallen appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
MyEmpire, one of the leading brands within the MioMedia affiliate program, proudly unveils its grand transformation. The empire has been reborn — with a stunning new look, an expanded collection of games, and thrilling new features set to redefine the gaming experience.
The redesigned MyEmpire brand unveils a fresh and immersive environment inspired by great civilizations of the past. The new interface offers smoother navigation, enhanced visuals, and a layout that reflects the brand’s evolution and the spirit of the empire. It’s cleaner, faster, and full of life — giving players the feeling of truly stepping into a renewed realm of majesty.
The updated design extends across the entire game world, bringing richer landscapes, detailed architecture, and enhanced character art that adds elegance and depth, drawing players further into play.
Along with the visual transformation, MyEmpire is expanding its portfolio with new games. Each title offers a unique experience while staying true to the empire’s spirit of strategy, adventure, and discovery. Together, they create a broader and more dynamic world for players to explore.
Beyond new games, MyEmpire is expanding with the launch of a dedicated shop — a new destination where players can purchase exclusive items or exchange their in-game bonuses for them. It’s a fresh way to turn progress into rewards and make every victory even more satisfying.
Soon, players will also enjoy new gamification features — SpinRally, Wheel of Fortune, and WonderPot. These additions will introduce even more thrills and rewards, giving players the chance to test their luck, win prizes, and uncover new surprises within the empire. Each feature is designed to enhance engagement and add a fresh layer of fun to the play.
MioMedia Affiliates continue to stand at the forefront of iGaming innovation, bringing together top-performing brands and world-class affiliate partnerships. As MyEmpire enters a new era with its refreshed look and features, MioMedia Affiliates celebrates the brand’s dedication to excellence, creativity, and pursuit of entertainment that both inspires and rewards.
For more information and guidance, contact the team: https://www.miomedia.com/contact-us
Slotegrator, a leading iGaming software provider and content aggregator, has published a report forecasting the iGaming trends of 2026. Developed in collaboration with over 50 experts from international companies, the report highlights how technology, regulation, ESG and transparency, and evolving player expectations will reshape the iGaming landscape in the coming year.
The report brings together insights from operators, regulators, affiliates, and marketing leaders across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. It covers key topics – from upcoming regulatory changes and AI-driven hyper-personalization to new compliance standards, marketing transformations, and the rise of community-based gaming ecosystems.
Readers will learn what to expect from:
- Regulatory developments in the industry’s most attractive markets.
- Advances in AI, cybersecurity, biometric KYC, and deepfake detection.
- New marketing models built on emotional intelligence and data ethics.
- The role of Web3, stablecoins, and gamified well-being.
- The growing influence of ESG on the iGaming sector.
The report features practical insights from leading leading companies, recognized industry leaders and award winners, including SiGMA Group, Clarion Gaming, DEVILS, Endorphina, Amigo Gaming, Aviatrix, ZingBrain AI, BGaming, NGM Game, Peter& Sons, CasinoRIX, ICS-digital, top media like iGamingNews, Casino Guru, GamblingTalk, and others, alongside perspectives from top game studios and regional experts.
“The report brings together the key takeaways from our business analytical research and the voices of industry experts who observe market dynamics every single day. Their perspectives give this report its depth and authenticity. At Slotegrator, we value partnership and collaboration above all — this is what allows us to capture the real pulse of the iGaming industry. This document gives companies a valuable head start as they prepare for next year’s shifts,” adds Svetlana Kirichenko, head of marketing at Slotegrator.
The report offers a comprehensive view of what’s next for iGaming — a must-read for anyone shaping the future of the industry. Be among the first to download The iGaming Trends of 2026 from Slotegrator by following this 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.
Peter & Sons Expands Its Danish Presence Through Partnership with Spillehallen
MyEmpire Reborn: New Look, New Empires, New Features
iGaming 2026 starts now: be the first to get Slotegrator’s iGaming trends report
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