Ukrainian Law Enforcement Blocks 2,500 Betting Sites

This week it was reported that Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office has blocked 2,500 illegal gambling websites that were offering services to the country.

The move is the latest attempt by Ukraine to limit the impact of illegal gambling in the country, as there have been numerous blocking orders issued previously. The blocks will require the country's internet service providers (ISPs) to restrict access to the sites moving forward. The move comes as the country revealed that there are more than 450 investigations into the sites, and for the year thus far, 76 criminal cases have been opened, with 72 people being sent to court.

Last year, the country initiated 169 criminal investigations into illegal betting sites, with 52 indictments filed against 97 people. During that period, more than 7,000 pieces of equipment used to illegally gamble was seized across 500 different raids.

Ukraine has been busy with its gambling sector, as the country received more 194 gaming licence applications during the first quarter of the year. Additionally, the country's lawmakers have voted to disband gaming regulator KRAIL, citing large delays in getting work done.