Ukrainian Police Raid Live Casino Studio Linked to Original Spirit

A major live casino operation in Ukraine has been raided by police, uncovering alleged illegal gambling activities.

Authorities targeted Original Spirit, a live dealer studio linked to an Asia-based B2B gaming supplier.

Over 120 employees, gaming tables, servers, and equipment were seized, raising concerns about regulatory violations.

Explore the full details behind the police raid, licensing issues, and international connections of this controversial studio.

Ukrainian Authorities Raid Original Spirit Live Casino Studio

3 Key Points:

1. Police Crackdown: The National Police of Ukraine (NPU) raided Original Spirit, alleging illegal gambling operations and licensing fraud.
2. Studio’s Origins & Ownership: The studio, founded in 2020, was reportedly sold to an Asian-based gaming supplier in 2021.
3. Regulatory Concerns: Authorities claim the studio provided both B2B and B2C gaming services, violating Ukrainian gambling laws.

The National Police of Ukraine (NPU) has identified Original Spirit as the live casino studio raided earlier this month in Dnipro. The operation, which allegedly conducted illegal gambling activities, has sparked widespread industry concern over regulatory compliance in Ukraine’s gaming sector.

Authorities revealed that the studio operated under a KRAIL-issued license granted to Original Spirit UA in November 2021. However, investigators found false information in the licensing application, raising questions about the legitimacy of the business.

The raid resulted in:

• The seizure of 60+ gaming tables and roulettes, alongside servers, computers, and other evidence.
• The discovery of over 120 employees engaged in live casino operations.
• Allegations that the studio not only provided B2B services but also operated directly for consumers (B2C gaming).

Ownership Links and Regulatory Violations

According to sources, Original Spirit was initially created in 2020 with backing from a Malta-based live dealer solutions provider. In 2021, the studio was reportedly sold to an Asian-based B2B gaming supplier, a move that seemingly complicated regulatory oversight.

Photos from Original Spirit’s website and YouTube channel appear to match police-released images of the raided location, including the control room, tables, and interior design.

Concerns about the studio’s operations were raised as early as its setup phase. Sources told NEXT.io that employees were advised not to take excessive photographs, likely due to fears of violating Ukrainian gaming laws.

Ukraine’s Crackdown on Gambling & Sanctions on Owners

The Ukrainian government, under President Volodymyr Zelensky, has ramped up efforts to eliminate illegal gambling operations.

Following the raid, police confirmed that the president imposed personal sanctions against the co-owner and chairman of the company controlling Original Spirit. This suggests potential international ramifications for those connected to the studio.

The case highlights growing scrutiny over foreign-controlled gambling operations in Ukraine, particularly those with unclear licensing structures and potential links to offshore entities.

Regulatory Challenges and Industry Impact

The Original Spirit raid underscores the challenges of regulating Ukraine’s evolving iGaming market. While the country has taken steps toward a modern, regulated gambling industry, incidents like this expose loopholes and enforcement difficulties.

Authorities continue to crack down on unlicensed and fraudulent operators, signaling tighter oversight for the live casino sector. As investigations unfold, the industry will closely watch how Ukraine’s regulatory framework adapts to prevent similar cases.

For now, the fate of Original Spirit and its international owners remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—Ukraine’s gaming industry is facing a new era of enforcement and accountability.