Ukraine Study Reveals Low Gambling Participation Gap

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-06-26

A nationwide study in Ukraine has uncovered a stark disconnect between public concern about gambling and actual participation rates. Most respondents view gambling as a major national issue, yet only a small fraction actively engage in it. The findings come from Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation and regulator PlayCity as part of a broader research project on gambling's societal impact. ### What the Survey Found The survey gathered responses from 3,164 adults, representing a diverse cross-section of the population. Initial results show that while 68% of Ukrainians consider gambling a significant problem, less than 12% admit to participating in any form of gambling in the past year. This gap highlights a complex relationship between perception and behavior. - Only 8% of respondents reported visiting a land-based casino in the last 12 months - Online gambling participation was even lower, at just 4% - Lottery tickets were the most common form, with 15% buying at least one ticket - Young adults aged 18-34 were slightly more likely to gamble than older groups ### Why the Disconnect? Experts suggest several reasons for this disparity. First, media coverage of gambling addiction scandals may amplify public concern beyond actual prevalence. Second, social stigma could lead to underreporting in surveys. Third, the ongoing war in Ukraine has shifted priorities, with disposable income shrinking for many households. "People worry about gambling because they see it as a threat to family stability, especially during these tough times," said Dr. Annelies De Vos, Senior Analyst for Harbor Policy and Maritime Strategy. "But the data shows that most Ukrainians simply can't afford to gamble right now." ### Regional and Demographic Variations The study also found notable regional differences. In western Ukraine, closer to the European Union, gambling concern was higher (72%) than in the east (61%). Urban residents were more likely to gamble than rural ones, but also more likely to view it negatively. Men were twice as likely as women to report gambling, though women expressed greater concern about its societal effects. ### Implications for Policy These findings have practical implications for regulators and addiction services. Rather than focusing solely on reducing participation, policymakers might need to address the anxiety surrounding gambling. Public education campaigns could help align perception with reality, while targeted support for the small but vulnerable group of problem gamblers remains essential. "The real challenge isn't that everyone is gambling—it's that a few people are gambling too much," noted one researcher. "We need to balance concern with accurate data." ### Looking Ahead PlayCity and the Ministry plan to release full results later this year, including detailed breakdowns by age, income, and region. The research will inform Ukraine's evolving gambling regulations, which have tightened since the war began. For now, the initial snapshot suggests that while gambling is a hot topic, it's not yet a widespread habit.