Online poker is legal in Ukraine under the State Regulation of Activity of the Organisation and Conduct of Gambling Law No 768-IX, enacted in July 2020. The Gambling Law provides separate licenses for online gaming casinos and online poker, with online betting covered by a unified license for both land-based and online operations (1). Operators must be Ukrainian residents incorporated under Ukrainian law, with a minimum paid statutory capital of approximately EUR 750,000 to obtain the necessary licenses.
Ukraine's gambling regulatory landscape underwent significant reform in 2025, with the dissolution of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries following corruption allegations. The State Agency of Ukraine PlayCity replaced KRAIL on April 1, 2025, bringing enhanced oversight and automated licensing processes (2). In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that tournament poker qualifies as a game of skill and can be legally played, while cash game poker remains prohibited under the 2009 gambling ban.
"In 2013, the Supreme Court of the former Soviet country ruled that tournament poker qualifies as a game of skill and thus can be legally played in Ukraine."
All gambling licenses are issued for five years, with the regulator reviewing applications within 15 working days (1). New legislation introduced in 2025 imposes strict advertising restrictions, including bans on using patriotic themes, military personnel, and popular figures except athletes in gambling promotions. Operators face an 18 percent corporate income tax on profits and a gross gaming revenue tax ranging between 10 to 30 percent, with gambling payments restricted to bank accounts only and severe penalties for tax arrears.
Source:
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-cee/ukraine
https://somuchpoker.com/poker-guides/europe/ukraine
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
