Yet, despite these obstacles, companies such as Pin Up and other licensed online casinos continue to adapt to the new market realities. Recently, the industry received a temporary easing of tax burdens, giving businesses some breathing room to stabilize operations.
Legal gambling is not unusual across Europe — countries like Germany, Spain, and Belgium have long established transparent frameworks for this industry. Ukraine joined their ranks only a few years ago, and though the market is still young, it is already navigating strict regulations, sanctions, and the consequences of war.
Operating under strict regulations
Ukraine’s gambling market is heavily regulated. The state has insisted on transparency, requiring companies to pay both taxes and license fees. Gambling businesses in Ukraine face some of the highest taxation rates in Europe. In addition, operators must renew and pay for licenses for each line of activity annually.
Beyond financial obligations, there are strict operational restrictions:
- Only individuals aged 21 and older are allowed to participate in gambling.
- All players must undergo identity verification before playing for real money.
- Family members or the players themselves can request to block access if gambling addiction is suspected.
- Gaming halls are prohibited near schools, healthcare facilities, or government institutions.
Failure to comply with these rules can lead to severe fines — reaching up to 3.5 million UAH per violation.
The current state of the gambling industry in Ukraine
As of the end of last year, 47 companies were operating legally within Ukraine’s gambling sector:
- 8 physical casinos,
- 14 online casinos,
- 19 slot machine halls,
- 3 betting offices,
- 3 online poker providers.
However, the number of active operators has since declined following government-led crackdowns. Authorities imposed sanctions on a total of 407 individuals and entities. Some gambling operators were accused of tax evasion or underreporting profits, while others were found to have connections with Russia — a serious offense amid the ongoing war.
Among the sanctioned entities were several well-known brands. Some Telegram channels claimed that Pin-Up санкції had also been sanctioned, but official sources tell a different story. Visiting the website of the President of Ukraine confirms that Pin Up was not affected by sanctions. In fact, the company is one of the first fully legal operators in the country, consistently fulfilling its tax obligations.
In 2022 alone, Pin Up contributed over 271.2 million UAH in taxes and licensing fees. Within just the first two months of the following year, the company paid another 304.8 million UAH in tax contributions. According to Igor Zotko, COO of Pin Up Ukraine, the company remains committed to its mission as a responsible market leader, stating that “no external pressures or unfounded claims will deter us from continuing our work.”
Company founder Maryna Iliina also highlighted that Pin Up not only survived during wartime but managed to expand its operations thanks to prudent management and accumulated experience. This stability allows the company to support Ukraine’s economy by paying taxes, creating jobs, and contributing to humanitarian efforts.
Supporting the economy through resilience
Despite sanctions, regulatory hurdles, and the ongoing war, Pin Up and other licensed gambling companies continue to play an important role in Ukraine’s economic recovery. With government support and proper regulation, the gambling sector has the potential to become a reliable and powerful source of budget revenue — one that sustains itself through transparency, responsibility, and innovation.
| Indicator | Pin Up Contribution (UAH) |
|---|---|
| Taxes and license fees (2022) | 271.2 million |
| Taxes (January–February 2023) | 304.8 million |
| Sanction status | Not sanctioned |
The future of Ukraine’s gambling industry
The Ukrainian gambling sector is adapting to wartime realities while striving to remain transparent, regulated, and socially responsible. Pin Up’s example demonstrates that even under severe pressure, legal gambling businesses can continue to operate ethically and contribute to the country’s economy. As the market stabilizes, such companies are expected to strengthen Ukraine’s reputation as a modern, well-regulated hub for entertainment and online gaming.
