ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REGULATION OF GAMBLING ACTIVITIES IN UKRAINE

Abstract

Gambling activities are a complex and multifaceted domain that necessitates effective administrative and legal regulation. The legalization of gambling in Ukraine has become one of the steps aimed at enhancing market transparency and ensuring the generation of revenue for the state budget. However, the implementation of new legislation has led to the emergence of several issues, such as monitoring compliance with legal norms, combating illegal activities, and safeguarding the rights of citizens. A particular characteristic of Ukraine’s regulation of gambling is the combination of international standards with the specific features of national regulation. The legislation emphasizes the need to minimize negative social consequences, such as gambling addiction, while fostering conditions for responsible gaming. State bodies, notably the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, have been vested with clearly defined powers. However, in practice, these bodies encounter a range of challenges, which underlines the need for further refinement of administrative mechanisms. Although significant progress has been made in legalizing and regulating gambling, the system requires effective oversight and continuous improvement. It is necessary to introduce advanced digital tools for monitoring, ensure access to up-to-date data for risk assessment, and develop mechanisms for prompt responses to violations. Special attention should be paid to establishing conditions for transparent reporting by gambling operators, which is a crucial aspect of maintaining trust within the sector. The administrative and legal regulation of gambling activities must balance economic and social dimensions. It is critical to ensure the protection of the rights of market participants, including both operators and consumers, while also contributing to building trust in the regulatory framework. A vital direction for further development involves aligning national legislation with European standards, as this promotes greater stability and predictability in the sector. Therefore, the study of issues related to the administrative and legal regulation of gambling activities is of substantial importance both for ensuring the effectiveness of law enforcement practices and for fostering the development of a transparent and responsible gambling market. Enhancing regulatory mechanisms will enable the achievement of a balanced approach, accommodating the economic interests of the state while ensuring the social safety of the population.