Ukraine to hold first gaming congress

Sunday 30th of August 2015

Ukraine will hold its first gaming congress on September 29, bringing together officials and representatives from the industry to discuss the possibility of a gaming revival in the country.

The event will be attended by representatives of government bodies, gambling zones, investors, owners of betting programs, the hotel and tourist industry, and other experts.

Talks will focus on the prospect of revitalising the gambling business in Ukraine, along with how to submit proposals and business ideas for approval. Other issues to be discussed at the congress include the gaming market’s prospects, licenses and taxes and who will benefit.

The event will follow a draft law that was registered in July titled " State Control and Legal Basis for the Organization of Gambling."

“This law provides for comprehensive regulation of activities in the field of gambling in accordance with the rules and laws of the majority of European countries,” the Ukrainian Gaming Congress organizers said in a press release.

The purpose of the bill is to introduce a unified law that will regulate gambling.

“In addition, the point at issue is about the creation of an effective licensing system, set of rules and requirements for all segments of gambling (lotteries, bookmakers, and casinos) and a complete legalization of their activities, as well as their online work.”

The Ukrainian authorities expect that the legalizing gambling will be an additional source of income for the national budget, as well as contribute to the development of hotel and tourism business.