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Gambling is an industry of games of chance that includes both land-based casinos and lotteries, as well as online betting and gaming platforms. Over the past decades, gambling has undergone significant transformations — from traditional leisure in casinos to high-tech online entertainment accessible from anywhere in the world.
With the legalization of gambling in a number of countries, including Ukraine, interest in this industry is rapidly growing. While global markets are adapting to new digital formats and integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies, Ukraine is only taking its first steps in creating a transparent and regulated gambling environment.
In this article, we will explore what gambling is, what forms it takes, and review the key development trends in this business sector both in Ukraine and internationally.
Are you looking for an answer to the question "what is gambling?" We will explain everything about how the modern gambling industry works. Learn what gambling is and why this market attracts millions of players around the world every year.
Main types of gambling and what it is
Gambling is an activity related to organizing and conducting games of chance, where participants risk money or other assets in hopes of winning, with the outcome fully or partially dependent on chance. In a legal context, gambling covers both traditional forms of betting and their digital equivalents.
According to Ukrainian legislation (Law of Ukraine "On State Regulation of Activities for Organizing and Conducting Gambling" No. 768-IX dated July 14, 2020), gambling is defined as follows:
A gambling game is any game where participation requires placing a bet, and where the participant may receive a prize (including non-cash prizes), with the result fully or partially dependent on chance.
Gambling can take place both in physical form (land-based establishments) and online, which is especially relevant in the context of global digitalization. Below is an overview of the main types of gambling:
- Land-Based Casinos
Traditional venues offering money games such as roulette, slot machines, baccarat, blackjack, craps, and others. Such casinos require licensing and must comply with consumer protection regulations, AML/KYC requirements, and gaming equipment standards.
- Online Casinos
Internet-based versions of land-based casinos, accessible to users through web platforms or mobile applications. They offer a wide range of games — from virtual slots to live dealer games (live casino). In Ukraine, online casinos require a separate license, and operators must host their gaming servers within the country and comply with player identification requirements. - Bookmaking Activities
Acceptance of bets on real events, primarily sports. The operator accepts bets, calculates odds, and pays winnings in case of a player’s success. Bookmaker activities are also regulated by licenses, both in offline and online formats. - Poker
Poker is a card game where, in addition to an element of chance, the player’s skill plays a significant role. Nevertheless, in most countries, including Ukraine, poker is classified as a gambling game and regulated accordingly. Both online tournaments and offline competitions can be organized. - Slot Machines (Slots)
One of the most popular forms of gambling. This includes physical terminals in gaming halls and online slots. The game result is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), which must be certified by accredited laboratories. - Lotteries
Games where winners are determined by chance. In some countries, lotteries may be regulated separately from general gambling legislation. In Ukraine, state lotteries are governed by a different legal act and have a separate legal nature, despite sharing common features with gambling games. - Fantasy Sports
A game where participants create teams of real athletes and earn points based on their performance. In some countries, this activity is not considered gambling, while in others, it is subject to licensing, especially when it involves monetary participation and prizes. - Betting on Virtual Events
Bets placed on computer-simulated sports events or other animated games generated by software. Despite their "virtual" nature, these bets are treated the same as regular sports betting.
In summary, gambling encompasses a wide range of formats — from classic lotteries to high-tech platforms with artificial intelligence and crypto payments. Online gambling, in particular, is experiencing rapid growth due to its convenience, accessibility, and the integration of new technologies, becoming the main driver of the global gambling industry’s expansion.
Online Gambling or iGaming
Online gambling, also known as iGaming, refers to digital forms of gambling conducted via the internet. It is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global gaming industry, covering a wide range of platforms and products: from online casinos and sports betting to poker, bingo, and virtual games.
Advantages of Online Gambling:
- Accessibility: Players can participate in games from anywhere in the world, 24/7.
- Variety: A wide selection of games, including exclusive and branded formats.
- Modern Technology: The use of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, live streaming, and VR makes the user experience more flexible and interactive.
- Integration with Payment Systems: iGaming platforms support both traditional and digital currencies, including cryptocurrencies and e-wallets.
Regulation of Online Gambling
Online gambling requires separate licensing and strict regulation by governments. Most countries set specific requirements regarding:
- Jurisdiction and server location;
- Identification and age verification of players (KYC);
- Integration with state monitoring systems;
- Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) regulations;
- Responsible gaming practices: including betting limits, alerts, and self-exclusion options.
In Ukraine, an online gambling operator must obtain the appropriate license for organizing and conducting gambling activities online, comply with accounting regulations, operate a secure gaming platform, and provide access to the Gambling and Lottery Regulatory Commission for monitoring purposes.
Trends and the future of Gambling in Ukraine and worldwide
The gambling industry is undergoing active transformation, driven by technological innovation, legislative changes, and the rapid growth of the online segment. In the context of global digitalization and the legalization of gambling in more countries, the market is developing rapidly. Below are the key trends and prospects for both Ukraine and the global gambling sector.
Global trends in the gambling industry:
- Growth of online gambling (iGaming): The online segment consistently outpaces land-based gambling in growth rates. Analysts estimate that by 2030, over 70% of all bets will be placed online and via mobile devices. Live casinos, crash games, and instant win formats focused on quick user engagement are gaining popularity.
- Mobile gambling: The majority of players use smartphones. Companies are focusing on optimizing user experience (UX), launching native apps, and enabling fast authentication (such as via eID or FaceID).
- Integration of cryptocurrencies and blockchain: More operators accept cryptocurrencies, use NFTs, and adopt decentralized platforms. These technologies increase transaction transparency but require separate regulatory oversight.
- Focus on responsible gaming: The introduction of self-control tools, betting limits, and self-exclusion programs is a mandatory licensing requirement in most jurisdictions.
- Stricter regulation of gambling advertising: European countries are tightening advertising controls, restricting bonus programs, and requiring integration with government monitoring systems. Some countries are implementing complete bans on gambling advertisements.
- Globalization and new markets: Companies increasingly operate under multi-license models, targeting several markets at once. Legalization of gambling in Latin America, Africa, and Asia is creating global opportunities for expansion.
Trends and prospects of Gambling in Ukraine
The key event in Ukraine's gambling sector in 2025 is the liquidation of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (CRGL). In December 2024, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law abolishing CRGL, and the official liquidation procedure began on April 1, 2025.
The responsibilities of CRGL are being transferred to a new body — the digital agency “PlayCity,” operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Transformation. This decision aims to combat corruption, enhance transparency in licensing, promote digital control mechanisms, and integrate gambling oversight with other state registries.
The new structure promises:
- Simplified licensing procedures;
- Online monitoring of all operators;
- Strict enforcement against illegal platforms.
Therefore, the dissolution of CRGL and the launch of “PlayCity” are establishing the foundations for more transparent and technologically advanced gambling regulation in Ukraine.
Therefore, 2025 is expected to be a record year in terms of revenue volumes and the number of licensed operators in Ukraine. The main driver of growth is the online segment: casinos, bookmakers, and poker rooms. According to forecasts, online gambling in Ukraine will account for more than 70% of the total gambling market. Mobile applications, UX/UI design, cross-platform solutions, and artificial intelligence are at the center of operators' attention.
Ukraine is also actively integrating cryptocurrency payment systems into the gambling industry. Some operators already offer transactions in USDT and BTC, especially in online casinos. Web3 projects, NFT betting, and decentralized platforms are being tested and could potentially establish their niche in the coming years, provided there is legislative flexibility.
At the same time, the government continues to strengthen market oversight: AML/KYC tools are being implemented, licensing requirements are becoming stricter, and efforts to combat illegal platforms are intensifying. Thus, the market holds significant potential but remains in a phase of active development.
To summarize, the gambling industry is a promising and rapidly growing market with significant business potential both in Ukraine and globally. Online gambling plays an especially crucial role today, offering opportunities to enter international markets and scale your project.
However, to operate successfully and legally in this sector, a reliable license is essential — it is the key to building trust with clients and partners, as well as complying with regulatory requirements. Obtaining a license in foreign jurisdictions requires in-depth legal knowledge, proper document preparation, and a clear understanding of all regulatory nuances.
Our team is ready to support you at every stage — from selecting the most suitable jurisdiction to submitting your application and obtaining the license. We will help make the process as simple and transparent as possible, so you can focus on growing your business rather than dealing with bureaucracy.
Together, we will unlock new horizons for your gambling project and lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth in the international market.
