KRAIL investigated for suspected activities  

Officers from the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) carried out searches at the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), involving many commission members in the investigation, as reported by OBOZ. According to UA’s sources, the searches were triggered by the inability to revoke the license of a firm linked to Russia. On December 4, Ukraine enacted a law intended to strengthen regulation of gambling, dissolve KRAIL, and implement automatic license issuance. The legislation imposes strict limits on gambling advertisements and requires that all transactions go through banks, increasing market transparency. By April 1, 2025, a new regulatory body will take over from the Gambling Regulatory Commission. Its roles and authorities will be clearly defined, with the Ministry managing policy in the gambling and lottery sectors, minimizing human involvement and streamlining the licensing process through automation. Earlier, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine’s Committee on Finance, Tax, and Customs Policy voted 23 in favor to endorse draft law №9256-d aimed at enhancing control over the gambling market, both in the second reading and in total. The bill not only seeks to dissolve KRAIL but also suggests actions to restrict access to unlawful gambling websites and mobile applications. It prohibits gambling platforms from paying for gambling-related costs, such as phone calls, messages, or providing free bonuses instead of making a bet. Gambling advertisements will be limited to late-night airings on TV and radio, and in media aimed at individuals over 21. These advertisements will be permitted on platforms and search engines that cater to an audience aged 21 and older. The law will ban the use of military personnel, volunteers, and celebrities, along with any references to the war, in advertisements.