Top-rated Online gambling sites in Ukraine

Ukraine is the largest country in Eastern Europe with plenty of rivers and natural resources. It shares its borders with Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Moldova, Romania, and Hungary. Ukraine is famous for its Eastern Slavic culture and has seen various empires' power struggles.

In 2020, Ukraine relegalized online casinos making them safe for players to enjoy. Only online gambling sites with a valid Ukraine license can accept players from the country. Ukrainians can choose to play with foreign operators without obstruction.

At CasinoRank, we rank and review all the best online casinos available to Ukrainian players. Read all the best reviews and make sure to always gamble at safe online casinos in Ukraine.

Top-rated Online gambling sites in Ukraine

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Emily Thompson
Written byEmily ThompsonWriter
Researched byPriya PatelResearcher
Online casinos in Ukraine

Online casinos in Ukraine

It was in the 17th century that the country split between the Russian Empire and Poland. Ukraine became home to several tribes and saw some rich history throughout. Ukraine was under the Soviet regime when the government was a little lenient towards the punters and gamblers. When the Soviet Union collapsed and Ukraine got its independence. Ukraine noticed a surge in online gambling and casino popularity. From the independence until 2008 there were no restrictions. People started appreciating the slot machines and other casino games, causing an uproar.

They allowed sports betting and state lotteries. But, these were the times when we saw illegal gambling in private and underground dens. This was when the legalization of gambling was also under consideration.

Bittersweet relationship with gambling

People began playing online and offline casinos in a grand way. This caused a lot of brouhahas, and then there was a ban in 2011. In 2014, President Putin launched a bill proposing to turn Crimea into a gambling hub like Vegas.

Ukraine has had a bitter-sweet relationship with gambling. As of July 14, 2020, the Ukraine Parliament has chosen to legalize several gambling activities and even set up an authorization body.

Ukrainians loved to gamble, and there were as many as 40 land-based casinos across 10 cities. Kyiv alone has the most casinos, and there are many table games and slot game options at the River Palace or the River Palace Entertainment Complex.

The Ukrainians love to bet, and we can see this from the re-legalizing plans of the government. Gambling has been a popular form of entertainment for a long time. Russians love odd numbers and believe that it brings in good luck. They do not consider even numbers lucky.

Protocols

Online casinos are operating from Ukraine, and they have to follow certain strict protocols to be among the legal ones. There are about ten types of activities in the online casino sector related to licensing. There are separate licenses for land-based and online casinos. The Ukrainian government has laid specific rules for the casinos to follow.

The players will also be able to play in the casinos offshore and use UAH currency for betting in sports, slots, tables, and live categories. The country is bringing in a lot of change in the online casino world in Ukraine starting from 2021.

Online casinos in Ukraine
History of gambling in Ukraine

History of gambling in Ukraine

The gambling scene in Ukraine has undergone a drastic change over the years. Right from the time, the Soviets ruled in the country, gambling has been prevalent.

Gambling houses existed, and the golden period was in the 90s when people loved to play all the table games and arcade games. But, it was only a matter of time before the country also noticed a surge in problem gambling. This was because till then, there was not much regulation in place.

It was more of a free-for-all option and hardly any guidelines. This caused people to bet and lose money even when they won. The government also noticed the emergence of the black market or underground casinos.

These were out of the government’s control. As per the report, where 20% of the adult population gambled, the government's revenue was very less. This was because people were playing in the illegal casinos.

Banning gambling

Then came the recession in 2008 when the Ukrainian government was worst affected by the economic crisis. Many others claim the tragic fire accident in the Dnipro casinos was the last straw on the camel’s back and led to the ban.

It decided to ban all sorts of gambling, and so on May 15, 2009, the Verkhovna Rada declared gambling a criminal offense. The Gambling Act became law on August 11, and Patriarch, Eastern Europe’s famous operator, plans to get the license soon.

The Bill fetched a 248-95 vote majority. Not just recession, the unregulated and wild gambling market also saw rampant corruption in this field.

As other countries have also realized that prohibition did no good; gamblers often found other ways to bet. The fundamental reason is to protect the local gamblers from becoming addicts to gambling. In this phase, the government planned to start casinos operational across different parts of Ukraine.

Closing illegal casinos

Coming back to the ban, the lawmakers noticed the sporadic rise in illegal gambling. This was why on December 20, 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers in Ukraine decided to pass a resolution to close all illegal casinos. This resulted in the quick overnight crackdown and shutdown of over 150 illegal lottery centers. They were able to nab as much as 46m UAH.

Kyiv Casino City

The government has now realized that gambling can work wonders for the economy if brought under the scanner and put on a tight leash. This has brought them to consider it as a means of bringing in investments. To put this plan into action, the government has thought of creating a casino city out of Kyiv.

The government also discovered that for casinos to function in Kyiv, operators need to pay as much as $1000,000 every year for the license fee. Online casino operators will have to pay less than that, approximately $230,000.

But they will need to get a Trademark and even prepare at least two years in advance to procure these licenses. The other requirement is for the online casino to be operating from Ukraine. Taxes range from 5% to 10% as GGR (gross gaming revenue). The government aims to make the most by this year.

History of gambling in Ukraine
Ukrainian players' favorite games

Ukrainian players' favorite games

The Ukrainians have been looking forward to a time when they can play at their local casino online. That has now changed thanks to the recent law changes. Ukrainian players are able to check casinos like 888Sport, Betway, and many more for sports betting. Casumo and Vera & John casinos are two other popular choices for Ukrainian gamers keen on playing slot games for free or with real money.

They have games from:

  • Microgaming
  • NetEnt
  • Evolution
  • Blueprint Gaming, and more.

They offer the best titles in table games like Immersive Roulette, Lightning Roulette, Dream Catcher, and other titles.

These casinos also have the most advanced live games category where you can play games like live roulette, live blackjack, and more.

Ukrainian players' favorite games
Online casino accepting Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH)

Online casino accepting Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH)

To have a seamless iGaming experience in the realm of online casinos in Ukraine, understanding the role of your currency is important. The Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) is the primary currency used for gameplay and transactions, and while most platforms accept it, it is essential to choose a reputable casino to ensure smooth financial interactions. Our carefully curated toplist from CasinoRank guarantees you an immersive experience in a range of exciting games while avoiding any currency concerns. Whether you're handling 100 Ukrainian Hryvnia or its equivalent value post-conversion, our recommended casinos offer captivating gameplay. Every reel spin and every card dealt resonates harmoniously with the rhythm of the Ukrainian Hryvnia, elevating the excitement and potential rewards of your iGaming experience. You can be assured that each Hryvnia contributes to your enjoyment and potential winnings in the vibrant world of Ukrainian online casinos. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on an exhilarating iGaming journey. Choose our recommended casinos to have a secure and unforgettable experience.

Online casino accepting Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH)
How to review the best online casinos in Ukraine

How to review the best online casinos in Ukraine

We understand that you may want to get more from Ukraine’s best online casinos. But if you want to have a good time at any of these casinos, you must look for a few things.

You would need to be extra careful when you are a Ukrainian and play at an off-shore casino. You should read the guidelines we are writing for you after doing extensive research for your convenience.

Security

From 2021, the Ukrainian government aims to legalize and regulate gambling. So, it has started with the licensing procedure. It is advisable to check out the local site to get a fair idea of how the framework applies to all sorts of gambling and betting activities.

We check if the site has a license from UKGC or Curacao, or Malta if you are playing from an overseas casino. It is highly risky to go to a casino that does not have a license. Sites should ideally have SSL encryption and follow the PCI rules.

This and third-party auditing should be necessary for keeping the site clean and functioning smoothly. Ideally, the casino must be taking extreme care in protecting and safeguarding your identity and privacy.

Customer Support

A casino should be providing a 24-hour support system to the players. When you enter a site, you will notice live chat support, and this is essential. A friendly representative will be there to help you throughout your casino experience. The site will also need to have telephone support and an email assistance team working round the clock.

Software and Language Support

Casinos in Ukraine or the foreign sites for Ukrainian players should be running on light software. Since many casinos these days have downloadable app versions, it should be painless to install too.

Top casinos should have partnerships with game developers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution, Yggdrasil, and more. These software developers create titles in all game categories, and their quality of games remains intact whether you play on desktop or mobile.

The casinos welcoming Ukrainian players should also be offering language support or have chat support in their language. This would be a welcome move since the gamers may find it difficult to understand English.

VIP Program

We check for you to have the best time at the casinos that you visit. The first big attraction we check out is the site’s VIP program. This VIP program will be offering anything from special daily bonuses to rewards to cashback.

We also check if the sites offer special invitations to tournaments and other online events from time to time or not. The VIP Program should treat you with enough surprises in the form of Birthday or anniversary gifts, among others.

Fast Payout System

Every gamer dreams of getting a faster payout, and that will give them a sense of success. We completely understand this, so that's why we want to help you find the casinos that pay in time. We also urge you to read online customer reviews and complaints on third-party sites.

These could be giving you a clearer idea of how fast others have received their winnings. You will also learn how much time they take for processing withdrawals via a specific payment method. Make sure to fulfill all the wagering requirements before you request the withdrawal. Remember that Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies ensure the fastest payouts.

Bonus and Promotions

The leading thing you will want to try in a casino is the welcome bonus. There are casinos in Ukraine and outside offering free spins as a no-deposit bonus. This is an awesome way to enter the world of casinos with a bang.

You can avail of the welcome bonus in most cases where you just have to register and bet. This said, there are casinos where you will get regular promotions too. This would include cashback in sporting events and live games or slot games.

If you are a slot game player and have lost a game, you can get some cashback if you apply for the same. It is helpful if you get such cash backs in a sporting event.

There are daily rebates too that casinos offer. Ukrainians will also need to check the referral bonus. This is when you will refer a friend who also registers and bets, thereby giving you a decent gift. It could be a cash prize or further free spins to use in the future.

There are specific VIP only bonuses that will be for the VIP gamers. They will earn gamers a lot of fun and will treat them for every moment they spend at the site. Many sites have detailed loyalty points or comp points that they can earn every time they bet. This will take gamers closer to the top level and bring you better rewards.

Payment Options

Ukraine-based gamers will be able to bet via credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. They can go for Citadel's Instant banking if they seek to use a trusted medium for betting in games and sporting events.

Ukrainians can bet on international events and markets. They can use e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and more. If you are relying on something faster and better, go for bitcoin. It is the fastest in terms of processing and very safe to use too.

Legalized Commercials

As per the Gambling Law amendments, the gaming world in Ukraine has set forth rules for advertising casinos. There are bans on advertising on television of any gambling activity from 6 am to 11 pm.

There is also a ban on printing ads for gambling in print media except in specific gambling-related newspapers or magazines. There are bans on outdoor advertising. More strict laws are sure to come in some days.

How to review the best online casinos in Ukraine
About the author
Emily Thompson
Emily Thompson

Emily "VegasMuse" Thompson is a seasoned online casino enthusiast from down under. With a keen eye for details and an inherent knack for strategizing, she has turned her passion for the online casino world into a successful writing career.

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Latest news

Parimatch Gets the First-Ever Ukrainian Gambling License
2021-04-12

Parimatch Gets the First-Ever Ukrainian Gambling License

The wait is finally over, at least for Parimatch! After 11 years of waiting for its Ukraine debut, Parimatch eventually received the first-ever Ukrainian gambling license. This is in line with the recent efforts by the country to legalize its online gambling business. But what does this move mean for the Ukrainian gambling market from now on?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about casinos

Can I win real money in Ukrainian casinos?

Yes, you can try betting for real money and even earn real money. To ensure you get the real cash winnings from Ukraine’s casinos, make sure to check the casino’s credentials. Also, read the terms and conditions to see if they have any wagering requirements to fulfill before you can claim for withdrawals.

How long does it take to receive any winnings?

You can withdraw your winnings in a few minutes if you are using cryptocurrencies. On the other hand, you will need to wait for some time for other payment methods. Casinos usually take a few hours to a few days if you are using e-wallets. It is common for the casinos to take as much as 5 business days to process your withdrawal and for the money to reflect in your account.

Are there any withdrawal fees for Ukrainian players?

Withdrawal fees vary from one casino to the other. In most cases, casinos do not charge any fees. On the other hand, some casinos levy withdrawal fees if gamers opt for a specific bank or payment method. Read the Terms and Conditions page to know more about this.

Are online casinos in Ukraine safe?

Yes, now, with strict regulations in place, all the online casinos in Ukraine are safe. There are separate licenses the land-based casinos have to possess, and yet, there are different licenses for online casinos. The licensed online casinos or gambling sites online should have a .ua domain. Though several developments are happening and stricter protocols are coming in place, you will find them in some time soon.

Which banking options can I use?

The gamers usually opt for Instant Banking by Citadel as a trustworthy method for payment online. The gamers will need to check the casino’s payment page or the FAQ center and see for themselves the banks they can use. Not all banks will be offering these services. However, to be doubly sure, check the site’s banking page.

Can I play with Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) at casinos?

Yes, many of the off-shore casinos are accepting the UAH. Look specifically through the FAQ page or the Help center of a casino. If you are unsure, look through the Terms and Conditions page of the casino. If you still are not clear, try chatting or contacting the site’s representatives and find out if they accept UAH. However, it is safer to convert to the local currency of the casino or else using international credit cards or even e-wallets.

What payment methods are available for online casinos in Ukraine?

The Ukrainian players will use the payment methods like debit cards, credit cards, and e-wallets. These include Visa and Mastercard, PayPal, Ecopayz, Neteller, and more. Nowadays, you can also bet discreetly by going for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Doge, and more.

Can I expect bonuses?

Of course, yes. Just like casinos welcome gamers from across any other countries with a bonus, players from Ukraine will also get the rewards in the form of bonuses and promotions.

Can I play for free?

This is a benefit you will find in most of the casinos these days. You can play for free or in the demo mode. If you are playing in a new casino for the first time at a slot, try to practice it by playing in the demo mode. Most of the games from top vendors come with a unique game plan. So, do not take any chances.