A Guide to Find The Best Ukraine Online Casinos

All gambling, including online gambling, was prohibited between 2009 and 2020 in Ukraine, but the ban has since been lifted. If you live in the Ukraine and want to learn more about online casino gambling, then there was never a better time! The legalisation began in 2020 and we have put together a comprehensive guide to walk you through the basics of choosing the right site, finding your favourite games, the best payment methods in Ukraine and plenty of more.

  • Aleksandra Nolan
  • Updated: 27.09.2024

  • Updated: 27.09.2024

  • Reviewed by: Alexis Johnson
  • Top Rated Ukranian Casinos

    List of Top Rated Online Casinos in Ukraine

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    Casino Gambling in Ukraine

    Introduction to Online Casino Gambling in Ukraine

    You are probably eager to start gambling now after Ukraine’s long ban on online gambling activities? While there are still some existing restrictions, most don’t apply to new online casinos since the majority of online casinos are located in another country. However, you need to make sure you pick Ukraine casinos you can trust.

    Our search started with the Ukrainian casino player in mind, and with the purpose of finding sites that offer all the best payment methods in Ukraine, popular games among Ukrainian players and casinos where you can gamble on your phone, as people in the country often live busy lifestyles with demanding work schedules. You need to be able to play from anywhere, no matter where you are.

    The results of our efforts can be seen below, where we have compiled a list of some of the best online casinos available in Ukraine. Get the best bonuses, safety features, transaction alternatives, games and more for players in the Ukraine, and start celebrating the lift of the Ukrainian ban on gambling in the best way possible.

    If one site doesn’t give you what you need, try another! Just like players from other countries, you are bound to develop your own preferences and taste when it comes to online gambling, and what works for one Ukrainian player might not be the best option for another.

    What You Need to Know About Ukraine Gambling Laws

    Yes, it is legal, but that wasn’t always the case. In Ukraine, a gambling law was passed in 2009, and it was known as the “Gambling Ban” (Prohibition of Gambling Business in Ukraine). The underlying reason for the ban was an incident in 2009 where nine casino players were killed in a gambling house fire, and the law prohibited the operation of any type of gambling business, as well as for people to participate in any gambling related activity.

    The ban also covered online gambling, and Ukrainian players weren’t allowed to gamble at internet casinos either (however, loopholes did exist), yet national lotteries and lottery type games were allowed to continue their operations.

    Ukrainian Gambling was Legalized in 2020

    Poker remained legal for a few additional months after the new law came into place, as it was considered a sport rather than a game. Eventually, in December 2009, Poker was removed from the list of sports and banned just like any other gambling-related activity.

    It wouldn’t be until 14 July 2020 that a law was signed that once again legalized gambling activities around the country, and this came after pressure from Ukrainian society as well as multiple political parties.

    Casino Licenses Issued in 2021

    Shortly after, a few Ukrainian gambling companies started obtaining licenses to operate casino businesses in the country. These licenses started out at a price of UAH 39 million but have since gone down somewhat, even though it remains a big investment for a casino to legally operate from within Ukraine.

    The three first establishments to be licensed after legalization were:

    It is now legal for anyone over the age of 22 to gamble at online sites and land-based casinos in Ukraine, but other rules (often less strict) may apply if an online casino is based offshore in a different country.

    Ukraine Gambling Authority

    Ukraine Gambling Authority, Licence & Jurisdiction to Keep Players Safe

    Any establishment in Ukraine that wishes to offer gambling services needs to be licensed, and licensing comes with a long list of what a casino needs to comply with, as well as an elevated cost. The Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries is there to set and reinforce rules while the Tax Code of Ukraine is in charge of any tax-related matters.

    For players, this offers protection such as anti-money laundering measures, fraud prevention and more, and aids in keeping players safe with adequate responsible gambling. Keep in mind that most of the online casinos you come across won’t be based in Ukraine, and they therefore won’t necessarily be bound by any of the Ukrainian gambling rules and regulations.

    We encourage you to reference the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) for any remaining questions in regards to licensing, gaming authority and jurisdiction, as there may be changes on the way due to the recent legalisation of gambling in the country.

    Ukraine

    Popular Casino Games

    Check Out Some of the Most Popular Casino Games in Ukraine

    If there is one thing Ukrainians are known for, it’s their varied taste and their boldness when it comes to trying new things! Gambling doesn’t intimidate someone from the Ukraine, and perhaps that’s why players are so open to trying different slots, table games and live casino experiences compared to some other countries.

    Slots are, undoubtedly, at the top of the list of games played by gamblers in Ukraine, and progressive jackpot slots hold a special place in the hearts of many. Here are a few examples of top slot games where you can get lucky enough to walk home with the jackpot.

    • Mega Moolah
    • Bonanza
    • Temple of Wealth
    • Arabian Nights
    • Mega Fortune
    • Hall of Gods

    Ukraine Gambling

    Poker also remains a top pick for those who are a little more seasoned when it comes to casino play. The game experienced a massive rise in popularity after remaining legal for a few months in 2009, while all other casino gambling was banned. Its popularity hasn’t dropped and we are now seeing poker as a gambler favourite at casinos both in and outside of Ukraine.

    How About Sports Betting?

    Football, or soccer as some may know it as, is currently the most popular sport in Ukraine, and thousands of people bet on football and other sports on a daily basis. It became legal together with other gambling activities in 2020, and the surge in popularity is undeniable, even though gamblers bet on sports during the ban as well by sticking to offshore betting sites.

    Best Ukrainian Bonuses

    Some of the Best Ukraine Bonuses Found at Online Casinos

    Let’s talk about casino and gambling bonuses. The new rules enforced by the KRAIL (Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries) come with some bonus restrictions for casino players in the Ukraine, and while this is not surprising considering the recent legalisation of gambling, it is still something to be aware of.

    Casinos in Ukraine are not allowed to offer bonuses or any types of rewards as a result of a player losing money, as it is believed that this would be like rewarding something negative and potentially motivate players to continue playing even though they are losing. Rules like these could possibly end up affecting cashback bonus programs and similar.

    Luckily, these rules only apply to gambling sites and establishments based within Ukraine, and you can still receive any type of available bonus as long as you are gambling on a casino located outside the country.

    Different Bonus Types for Ukrainian Players

    Putting that aside and assuming that you are playing at an online casino abroad that accepts Ukrainian players (which you most likely will, since most big online casinos are located elsewhere), there are a few different bonus types you can expect to come across.

    Welcome Bonuses

    The first thing you’ll be greeted with at many casinos available in Ukraine is a welcome bonus. These casino welcome bonus packages can consist of a mix of the following bonus types, but examples are deposit bonuses where the casino matches your initial deposit with a certain percentage, free spins and much more.

    Deposit Bonuses

    When something is called a ‘deposit bonus’, it means that the condition for you to get your bonus is that you make a deposit. There might be minimum and maximum requirements to become eligible, and there are some deposit bonuses that are only available to new players while others are aimed at motivating existing players to return and play.

    No Deposit Bonuses

    If you are offered a bonus that doesn’t require a deposit, and one you might get automatically when first becoming a member, that would be a no deposit bonus. These bonuses are rare as the casino might not gain much, but you may still come across them from time to time as an appealing marketing strategy.

    Cashback Bonuses

    What these bonuses are is essentially a reward to compensate for a percentage of your losses. You get a small percentage back on the money you bet and lose, and the best part is that these types of bonuses don’t usually come with wagering requirements. Note that cashback bonuses would fall under the type of bonus that the KRAIL prohibits gambling establishments in Ukraine from offering, but this does not apply to foreign-based casinos.

    Wagering Requirements on Bonuses in Ukraine

    Accepting a casino bonus is a great way to boost your bankroll so that you can play for longer, and the casinos often use it as a way to stand out among heavy competition. Just keep in mind that most bonuses have wagering requirements, where you have to meet certain requirements and fulfil set terms before you get full access to your money.

    Always read through the terms and conditions of each bonus before accepting. Ukraine-based casinos are required to provide T & C’s for all their bonuses, games and more, and to offer complete transparency when it comes to wagering requirements.

    Payment Methods for Players

    Top Payment Methods for Players at Ukraine Online Casinos

    When you gamble in, or from, Ukraine, there is going to be a large variety of payment methods offered. Online gambling sites usually make sure to offer common forms of payment in the country in which they operate, and Ukraine casinos are not an exception.

    It is often smart to pick a payment method you are already familiar with, and one you might be using when making other types of online payments. However, you can also choose one specifically for your online gambling if you prefer to keep your internet habits separated from one another.

    Here are some of the most popular payment methods at Ukraine casinos:

    VISA/Mastercard

    Ukraine still heavily relies on card payments with debit and credit cards like VISA and Mastercard. You can use them in most stores and for online purchases, and also when you gamble on the internet. Note that Ukraine players gambling at UK licensed casinos will no longer be able to pay with credit cards, as these casinos now only accept debit.

    Card payments are simple, provided you have your card (or card number) at hand when you are ready to pay, but you do need to consider the safety aspect. It is safe to pay by card at licensed casino sites in the Ukraine, but if you make your deposits in public, you need to make sure nobody oversees or that your card doesn’t get left behind somewhere.

    Expect to pay a small fee on your transactions, often around 2.5% of what you are depositing or withdrawing, but this may vary depending on your bank and any rules applied by the individual casino. Since the legalisation of gambling in Ukraine, Ukraine players can legally use bank cards to fund their gambling.

    Bank Transfer

    Are you a bit more traditional and prefer to make your transactions via your bank? No problem! You’ll soon discover that most Ukrainian banks are compatible with online gambling sites, so that you can make wire transfers directly through the casino page. Depending on your bank, you may need to have a banking device or Bank I.D at hand to complete the transaction and to log into your internet bank.

    The greatest benefit of a bank transfer when gambling in Ukraine is the security it offers, as wire transfers directly to and from your bank are incredibly secure. You get the security features of your internet bank, plus the SSL encryption and other security measures provided by the internet casino.

    The downside is that it can take some time to withdraw (and sometimes even deposit) with a bank transfer, and you should expect your transaction to take significantly longer than when using an e-wallet, a banking service like Trustly or similar.

    Skrill

    Being one of the most popular e-wallets in the world, it isn’t exactly a surprise to find this one among the most popular ways to make casino transactions in Ukraine. You create an account which will store or transfer your money from one destination and to another, and this means you’ll only have to provide the gambling site with your login information.

    Ukrainian players are drawn to e-wallets like Skrill for numerous reasons, and one is that it won’t show up on your bank statement. All it’ll say is that money was sent to or from Skrill, and not what the money was essentially used for. This provides a certain level of anonymity to keep new Ukrainian players at ease.

    However, make no mistakes, as Skrill and other e-wallets also charge fees. Fees vary depending on the size of your transaction, your location and more, but they have a practical fee calculator on their website to simplify the process.

    PayPal

    Only a select few international online casinos and casino apps available in Ukraine offer payments through PayPal, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The reason is that PayPal is incredibly selective with the casino sites they choose to work with, and if you find PayPal listed at your favourite gambling site, then it’s most likely a sign of a trustworthy casino.

    PayPal’s greatest strength is how many people in Ukraine that are already using it, as it means you won’t have to create any new accounts or familiarize yourself with a new service or payment platform.

    The PayPal fees are known for being higher than some alternatives, but they are also very transparent about what they offer and what is expected in return. You get maximum safety on all your transactions, and a customer service that is usually helpful if something goes wrong or if you struggle to understand any aspect of the payment process.

    Bitcoin

    Data compiled by the Global Crypto Adoption Index shows that Ukraine is one of the top countries for cryptocurrency use in the world, and it currently ranks as number 4! With this in mind, it makes perfect sense that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (along with other cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether and Dodgecoin) also appear among the top casino payment methods.

    The only real downside to favouring Bitcoin and cryptocurrency is that there are still many casino websites out there that haven’t bought into this new form of online payments. You might struggle to find sites that let you pay with cryptocurrency, but the good news is that it is on the upswing and is becoming increasingly common.

    Bitcoin does require some level of knowledge before you can start making your transactions, but looking at the statistics, it looks like Ukrainian players are already familiar with using virtual crypto tokens to make currency transactions.

    The important thing here is that Ukraine online players have plenty of options, but not all gambling sites offer the same payment methods. Have a look before you sign up to make sure you can make your deposits and withdrawals in a way you feel comfortable with.

    Payment MethodPayment TypeProsCons
    VISA/MastercardDebit/Credit CardWidely available. Easy to use. Most players already have a bank card.You need to have the card number with you. Time consuming.
    Bank TransferWire TransferOne of the safest payment methods. Easy to keep track of transactions. Widely available.Transactions may take a long time. Casino transactions visible on your bank statement.
    SkrillE-WalletAvailable at most casinos. For deposits and withdrawals. No payment info revealed to the casino. Only a login is needed.May make you ineligible for bonuses. A separate account needs to be created. Fees on some transactions.
    PayPalE-WalletAvailable only at trustworthy casinos. International payment method. Easy to use.Only available at a few casinos. Fees on some transactions. Extensive verification.
    BitcoinCryptocurrencyAnonymous transactions. Doesn’t show on your bank statement. No fees.Tricky to learn for beginners. Not available everywhere. Volatile currency.

    Resources to Help with Responsible Gambling in Ukraine

    Gambling online is a big responsibility, and as Ukraine now allows its citizens and residents to engage in gambling, there is always a risk that some players might get carried away. It is easy to forget that online gambling deals with real money, and that the shrinking numbers in your casino account equals a loss of actual funds.

    If you are in Ukraine and if you need help, the casinos available to Ukraine users should provide proper assistance, such as the opportunity to limit your spendings. Set a weekly or a monthly limit on how much money you can deposit into an account, or ban yourself from the site when you feel you’ve had enough.

    KRAIL Gambling Assistance & Regulations

    The Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) has officially stated that any online casino providing services in Ukraine must provide their players with the option of setting their own preferred gambling limits, as well as exclude themselves and have access to data showing how much time has been spent gambling.

    Additional Popularity

    Responsible Gambling in Ukraine

    Ukraine Gambling is Expected to Gain Additional Popularity

    Considering the 10+ ban on gambling in Ukraine, and how it was finally legalized as of late 2020, it is expected that the online gambling industry in the country will flourish within the next few years. There has already been a significant spike in popularity as more and more Ukrainian gamblers seek to try their luck on slots, table games and sports betting, and the curve is only expected to go up from here.

    If you are new to online gambling as a Ukrainian player, make sure you play responsibly by sticking to a budget and learning proper payroll management. Have fun, don’t be afraid to explore and enjoy the many upcoming (and positive) changes that we are likely to see soon in the Ukrainian gambling industry.

    Last but not least, don’t forget that online gambling on a global scale has been around for a long time, and just because it is new to you, it doesn’t mean that the gambling sites are new or inexperienced in any way. You can use our Ukraine casino guide to find good gambling sites to get you started.

    Aleksandra Nolan

    Experienced online casino writer and reviewer who loves to share her knowledge and experience with others. She enjoys analyzing the latest trends in the industry and offering valuable tips to help others by having the most from betting at online casinos. She is constantly looking for new and interesting topics to write about and stays up-to-date on the latest changes in the online gambling industry.