The head of Ukraine’s gambling regulator, Ivan Rudyi, has been detained by authorities on suspicion of supporting a Russian casino in the country. Rudyi, who leads the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (CRGL), was arrested and accused of several crimes, including potential corruption and misconduct. Reports indicate that over 100 grams of cocaine were found at Rudyi’s property during a search, adding to the allegations against him.
Rudyi has been in charge of the CRGL since it was established in 2020, following the re-regulation of gambling in Ukraine after a ban in 2009. During his tenure, there were numerous complaints about the increase in gambling addiction in the country, leading to calls for the disbandment of the CRGL and the implementation of stricter measures. After being flagged for potential corruption and misconduct, plans to wind up the regulator by April 2025 accelerated, ultimately resulting in Rudyi’s arrest by the State Bureau of Investigation.
In the ongoing investigation, Rudyi is accused of failing to revoke the license of a Russian online casino operating in Ukraine, despite the two countries being at war. In addition to neglecting his regulatory duties, Rudyi could face charges of aiding an aggressor state. The situation highlights the challenges of regulating the gambling industry in a country facing conflict and the potential for corruption to undermine regulatory efforts.
Earlier this year, Ukraine also introduced new measures to address gambling within its military forces. A petition raised concerns about increasing gambling addiction among Ukrainian troops from unregulated sites, garnering significant support. Stories emerged of funds donated for military supplies being diverted to online gambling instead of supporting the war effort, prompting the government to draft legislation restricting hours and deposit limits for online gambling sites during the conflict.
The effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain due to the prevalence of unregulated gambling sites accessible to soldiers. The case of Ivan Rudyi and the challenges of regulating gambling in Ukraine underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in the gambling industry, especially in regions affected by conflict and instability. Authorities must remain vigilant in combating corruption and protecting vulnerable populations from the harmful effects of gambling addiction.