Ukraine Government Survey Finds 86 Percent of Online Casino Players Prefer Licensed Operators
TL;DR — Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation survey of 2,676 players shows 86% prefer licensed casinos and 78% will not switch to unlicensed ones. The study details middle-income male demographics, recreational motivations for most, and low awareness of specific safeguards. PlayCity issued 250 licenses in 2025-26.
SCCG Take — High channelisation validates Ukraine’s post-2020 framework for operators. Gaps in tool awareness and 53% regulatory confidence signal need for targeted education to lock in trust.
A survey commissioned by Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation has found that most online casino players now favor licensed operators. 86 per cent of respondents said they preferred licensed online casinos. 78 per cent reported no intention of switching to unlicensed operators.
The research was carried out by the SOCIOINFORM Sociological Centre between May 19 and June 26 using an online CAWI method. It gathered responses from 2,676 online casino players and built upon an earlier national gambling impact survey by PlayCity, Ukraine’s gambling regulator. The findings reflect the shift to regulated gambling since legalization in 2020 and the handover of oversight from the prior authority to PlayCity.
High Channelisation Despite Unlicensed Appeal
One in five participants knew friends who use illegal sites. The main reasons cited for unlicensed platforms were quick registration without identity checks (33 per cent), anonymity (17 per cent), and lack of restrictions or limits (16 per cent). Players described gambling primarily as recreational and controlled (59 per cent). Yet 35 per cent said it can become uncontrollable at times, and 6 per cent reported this happens frequently. Nearly a quarter acknowledged chasing losses.
Demographics, Motivations and Awareness Gaps
The sample was 73 per cent male. Respondents were largely middle-income and educated, with 42 per cent holding higher education qualifications. Curiosity and excitement drove 40 per cent of gambling activity, followed by distraction from daily life (21 per cent) and promotional offers (20 per cent). Awareness of responsible-gaming tools reached 64 per cent, but only 10 per cent knew of the national Register of Persons with Restricted Access to Gambling. Slightly more than half (53 per cent) believed gambling is adequately regulated. Trust in the Ministry and PlayCity stood at 44 per cent. As reported by Focus Gaming News, PlayCity has been tightening enforcement against illegal gambling.
Reporting: Focus Gaming News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. Automated fact-checking and editorial checks run before publication; individual articles are not reviewed by an editor beforehand. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
High channelization proves regulation works, but low awareness of tools and modest trust demand operator-led education now.
We've helped partners enter emerging markets for three decades, and Ukraine's data confirms what we've seen everywhere: clean licenses win when enforcement is credible. The 86 percent preference is strong, but only 10 percent know the exclusion register and just 53 percent trust regulators—leaving room for operators who invest in transparency and player education to lock in loyalty early.
- 86% prefer licensed casinos; 78% won't switch to unlicensed sites
- One in five know users of illegal sites; quick signup and anonymity still attract fringe players
- Only 10% aware of national exclusion register; 53% trust regulation adequate
SCCG angle: SCCG has guided 545 partners through regulatory entry across every regulated market globally. For Ukraine-focused operators, we connect you to compliance architects, localization experts, and responsible-gaming platform providers who can close the awareness gap and build trust where PlayCity's 250 licenses create real opportunity.