The rate of self-exclusion in Ukraine has seen a significant and rapid increase

According to the Ukrainian Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), the number of individuals who have chosen to self-exclude from gambling in Ukraine has experienced a significant increase during the first four months of 2023.

Since the introduction of the new responsible gambling regulations in Ukraine in 2021, the establishment and maintenance of a self-exclusion registry has been a top priority for KRAIL. However, in comparison to other countries’ digital self-exclusion programs like Gamstop in the UK and Cruks in the Netherlands, Ukraine’s list remains relatively small. As of April 2023, a total of 687 individuals have chosen to self-exclude from gambling and have been included in Ukraine’s self-exclusion list.

According to Ivan Rudy, the chairman of KRAIL, out of the 687 entries currently listed in the self-exclusion register, 686 were voluntarily added based on individuals’ statements of self-limitation. These individuals proactively sought help from KRAIL due to their awareness of the risks associated with gambling addiction.

Rudy further emphasized that this indicates a growing demand for a responsible approach towards the gambling industry, particularly from those who have already experienced challenges related to gambling. It highlights the importance of promoting awareness and consciousness about responsible gambling practices among the public.

“Out of 687 entries currently in the register, 686 were entered on the basis of statements about self-limitation,” said KRAIL chairman Ivan Rudy. “A person aware of the risks of gaming addiction turned to KRAIL on his own.

“Therefore, there is certainly a demand for a conscious attitude to the gambling sphere, first of all from those who have already faced difficulties.”

Despite the relatively small number of individuals who have self-excluded from gambling in Ukraine, the total is growing rapidly. In 2021 and 2022, KRAIL added 195 and 315 people respectively to the self-exclusion register. However, in just the first four months of 2023, the number of individuals who have self-excluded has already reached 245, indicating a notable increase in participation compared to previous years. This trend suggests a heightened awareness and recognition of the importance of responsible gambling practices among individuals in Ukraine.

Ukraine self-excluded trends

The majority of individuals on the self-exclusion list in Ukraine are relatively young, with the age ranges of 21-30 and 31-40 comprising a significant portion of the total, with 272 and 278 entries respectively. In comparison, KRAIL recorded only 104 entries for those aged 41 to 50, and 33 entries for individuals aged 51 and above.

Furthermore, the self-exclusion list is predominantly composed of men, with 643 male entries compared to 44 female entries, as noted by KRAIL.

Interestingly, many of the applications for self-exclusion were submitted by relatives of the players. Specifically, 45 applications were submitted by mothers, 8 by fathers, and 13 by wives, indicating the impact of gambling addiction not only on the individual but also on their immediate family members.