The government of Ukraine has proposed amending its gambling regulations to ban bank loans to gamblers who place themselves on a self-exclusion list, iGaming Business reported August 7.
The proposal by the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy would also require expanded checks by lenders, which would include determining if individuals blocked themselves from gambling online and at brick and mortar casinos. The proposal is awaiting official approval.
Several months ago the Ukrainian Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) noted an increase in the numbers of people self-excluding. The list now has 687 people.
The proposal is part of an ongoing series of reforms, including tougher anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing inspections of gaming facilities.
Another would suspend the license of operators who continue to offer gaming in Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia.
However, a draft law has been submitted that would dissolve KRAIL and replace it with another body. KRAIL has come under considerable criticism for its failure to issue gaming licenses in a timely manner.
Defenders point out that when Ukraine was invaded that several members of the KRAIL commission were drafted into military service.
