Ukraine is preparing to introduce a new system that will prevent military personnel from accessing online gambling platforms, as authorities continue efforts to address rising concerns about addiction and data security during wartime conditions.

The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, is being developed in coordination with the Ministry of Defense. Officials said the system will automatically block access for individuals identified as either active service members or listed in a registry of people prohibited from gambling.

The measure comes as online gambling has gained increased attention since the start of the full-scale invasion, with reports highlighting risks faced by soldiers engaging with digital betting platforms. Authorities have raised concerns about addiction as well as the potential exposure of sensitive personal information during registration processes.

Automated Checks to Enforce Restrictions

Under the proposed system, login attempts on gambling platforms will be cross-checked against two separate databases: one containing individuals barred from gambling and another listing military personnel. If a user matches either category, access will be denied.

Operators will not receive any detailed information about the reason for the restriction. Instead, they will be given a simple confirmation on whether access is permitted. This approach is intended to protect personal data and avoid revealing whether a user is a member of the armed forces.

Officials confirmed that the system is designed to prevent data leaks while maintaining enforcement. The process will ensure that sensitive details remain inaccessible to platform operators.

“We are continuing our systematic fight against gambling addiction,” the ministry said, adding that the initiative is focused on protecting both service members and their families.

A similar statement reinforced the policy direction: “We are continuing a systematic fight against gambling addiction. Our goal is to protect service members and their families from the risks and consequences of problem gambling.”

Part of Wider Wartime Restrictions

The planned mechanism builds on earlier restrictions introduced in 2024, which already prohibited military personnel from participating in online gambling during martial law. Those measures also included tighter controls on gambling advertising.

Public concern around the issue has intensified over time. In March 2024, a petition calling for stricter limits on online gambling gathered enough support to reach the President’s Office. Shortly after, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree reinforcing restrictions on military participation in gambling activities.

Authorities have linked these concerns to broader risks, including financial harm and security vulnerabilities. Investigations have also highlighted cases where personal data from users, including military personnel, may have been collected by entities with foreign ties.

Implementation of the new system will be overseen by PlayCity, the state agency responsible for regulating Ukraine’s gambling market. As The KYIV Independent reported via Yahoo News, the agency will integrate the login restriction mechanism into its broader oversight framework.

PlayCity has already been involved in enforcement efforts targeting illegal gambling activity. In 2025, the agency blocked more than 2,500 unauthorized online casino websites. Additional actions have included the removal of unlicensed apps from major digital stores and the shutdown of thousands of illicit platforms.

Authorities have indicated that monitoring will continue as part of the rollout, with further steps expected to strengthen oversight. These may include tighter advertising controls and measures aimed at preventing the use of multiple accounts to bypass restrictions.

The government has framed the initiative as part of a broader digital strategy to regulate the gambling sector more effectively while addressing risks faced by vulnerable groups.