Ukraine Blocks Hundreds of Online Casinos

More than 700 illegal online casinos have been blocked in Ukraine as part of a bid to boost taxes.

In early March 2023, the National Commission for the State Regulation of electronic communications (NCEC) made the decision to block the casinos – which account for 70% of the gambling market in the country.

They include big names such as Pokerstars.com, 1Xbet and Joker.

The illegal competition means the state budget could lose an estimated UAH 12 billion ($328.1 million) in the form of taxes and licence fees from legal gambling companies.

Ministers have also removed the ability for licensed brands to defer tax payments and asked all land-based gambling businesses to pay their tax arrears as well as their taxes for the year ahead.

A move which experts warn could put thousands of jobs at risk.
Source: The New Voice of Ukraine