The issue of attracting foreign investment in Ukrainian gambling in 2025 will depend on how the state's regulatory policy in the field of gambling will be transformed.
There are five basic factors of influence, each of which is important for potential investors.
1. Deepening cooperation between national regulatory and law enforcement institutions and transnational corporations, primarily Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc. (owner of Google), Meta Platforms, Inc. (owner of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Oculus).
2. Refusal to artificially restrict the distribution of legal gambling advertising.
3. Streamlining fiscal legislation.
4. Introduce a state online monitoring system.
5. Recognition of lotteries as gambling.
Each of these factors is important, and only a comprehensive approach to the implementation of an adequate regulatory policy will help attract foreign investment in the legal domestic gambling market.
Cooperation of national institutions with major players in the IT market can provide access to new technologies, experience and financial resources, as well as help combat the spread of illegal service content and illegal gambling advertising. At the same time, it demonstrates that the country is opening up to international players and is ready to cooperate with them on clear and equal terms.
The adopted liberalisation of advertising restrictions will increase the popularity of legal gambling organisers, which may increase revenues and investor interest. Due to more active advertising, companies operating in the white will be able to communicate their offers to potential customers more effectively, which will lead to an increase in the number of players choosing legal platforms. And this will directly affect the revenues of companies. Higher revenues can lead to an increase in tax revenues to the state budget and contribute to positive investment decisions by foreign companies.
Clear and predictable tax legislation is also critical for investors. Uncertainty over tax terms scares off potential investors. However, simplification of the fiscal environment and stability in the tax sphere improve the investment climate in general and in the gambling market in particular.
The introduction of the state online monitoring system will ensure a high level of control over the compliance of companies' operating conditions with licensing conditions and technical standards, guarantee the receipt and transmission of information in real time from/to the relevant gambling equipment via the Internet or other communication channels to accumulate and register data on accepted bets, paid winnings, payouts and other transactions related to the organisation and conduct of gambling, etc. All this will increase market transparency and reduce the risk of fraud. Investors will generally have more trust in a market where control and monitoring mechanisms are in place.
And finally, the recognition of lotteries as gambling guarantees equal conditions for all business entities in the gambling market, which will make them attractive to investors.
Thus, the implementation of these factors can significantly improve the investment climate and attract foreign funds to the development of the Ukrainian gambling market, but a comprehensive approach and stability remain key to success.
However, even if these factors are realised, it is also important to consider other aspects, such as the overall political stability, economic situation in the country, the level of corruption and the legal system. Investors are looking not only for favourable terms, but also for a safe environment in which to do business.
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