Exclusive: Ukraine to seek international help on gambling regulation
Government appoints former Dentons CIS lawyer as independent coordinator before legislative process moves to next stage
The Ukrainian government will seek advice from international stakeholders to ascertain the best way to proceed with regulating its newly legalised gambling market, EGR can reveal.
Members of the Ukrainian government’s working group on developing bylaws to regulate the market have been tasked by President Volodymyr Zelensky to create a “sustainable and transparent” market for gambling, following confirmation of legalisation last month.
EGR has learned the working group plans to launch a consultation-style process in which it would independently solicit opinions on best practice from international gambling regulators, stakeholders and operators.
The aim of the process would be to shape and inform the future framework of legal gambling in Ukraine.
Ukrainian politician and working group member Boris Baum told EGR the passage of the law had been a “spectacular achievement” for the country, but admitted there was still work to be done.
“One of the main work streams is to ensure that the new law would be clear and comprehensible for international operators and investors,” Baum said.
“We tried to achieve that in the initial stages of the process, but given the tight deadlines for the adoption of the law, we understand we might have missed some important points that are necessary for Ukraine to become a pivotal gambling market in Eastern Europe.
“Given this fact and general intention of the Ukrainian authorities to make the market as transparent and competitive as possible, we have decided to seek advice on how to improve the law from key international stakeholders,” Baum added.
EGR understands CIS-centric gambling lawyer and regional expert Ilya Machavariani has been recruited by the government to independently coordinate this process and will be contacting international stakeholders to collect their opinions.
Machavariani left his role at international law firm Dentons Solicitors to set up his own igaming consultancy, 4H, to advise operators and suppliers entering the region.
While the collection process is still in its infancy, requests have already been sent, with the intention to pass the final document to the Ukrainian government by the end of 2020.
EGR understands talks are already being held with stakeholders including tier-one operators and international trade associations.
Speaking to EGR, Machavariani revealed he would seek a “common sense perspective” from seasoned professionals within international gambling.
“I really think that in 2020 it is impossible and ineffective to work on the new gambling regulations without looking at the best international examples of successful gambling markets and best practice,” he explained.
“To add to that, I also believe that it is very important to ensure convergence of Eastern European gambling industry and international professionals for the benefit of both sides. I am looking forward to participating in this process and doing as much as I can to ensure the best outcome,” he added.