The gambling landscape in Ukraine changed when the government legalized the activity in July 2020. If you’re in the country and over 22, you can bet on licensed sportsbooks online. Also, offshore betting sites operate legally here. We’ve identified the top operators after hours of detailed analysis. Continue reading to discover why our recommended betting sites are the best and what features to expect.
Full List of the Best Ukraine Betting Sites
Ukraine made online betting and gambling legal in 2020 for the second time in its history, and with the passage of 2285-D, companies were aware how to start a betting site, and were also able to start issuing local betting licenses. Only a handful of sportsbooks own a local gambling license, but that doesn't mean bettors are forced to pick between the local sportsbooks.
|
4.2
|
Rakeboost bonus
T&Cs Apply
|
|
||
|
4.2
|
First Deposit Bonus 125% up to $1000
T&Cs Apply
|
|
||
|
4.3
|
-
T&Cs Apply
|
|
||
|
4.4
|
100% up to $200 in Free bets
T&Cs Apply
|
|
||
|
4.3
|
-
T&Cs Apply
|
|
||
|
3.6
|
|
|
||
|
4.7
|
100% up to €100
T&Cs Apply
|
|
||
|
4.2
|
100% up to €500
T&Cs Apply
|
|
||
|
4.5
|
200% up to 20000 USDT
T&Cs Apply
|
|
||
|
4.8
|
Up to $30 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
|
|
||
|
4.8
|
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets
T&Cs Apply
|
|
||
|
4.2
|
100% up to ₿1
T&Cs Apply
|
|
||
|
4.2
|
30% up to €300 in Freebet
T&Cs Apply
|
|
||
|
4.3
|
|
|
||
|
4.5
|
|
|
||
|
4.9
|
|
|
||
|
4.6
|
|
|
||
|
4.0
|
$500/€500 gift
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Easy to use
On the contrary, it's possible to visit and sign up with any international bookmaker, and there are no reports of people getting prosecuted for it. As a result, it's easy to find the right bookmaker for any bettor's needs, as there are plenty of options.
Still, where the list of available betting platforms offering online betting here is long, some sportsbooks are more popular. Mostly, local punters prefer to start their sports gambling journey on international bookmakers rather than locally licensed online gambling sites.
That doesn't necessarily mean that all international bookmakers here are a better option, but the list of the best online gambling sites mainly includes international operators.
No. 1 – BetWinner
BetWinner’s betting menu contains more than 30 different types of sports, including Ukrainian favorites like football, basketball, ice hockey, and handball. This variety is paired with market-leading prices, making BetWinner a great choice for betting in Ukraine.
The sportsbook is accessible on PCs and smartphones through dedicated apps. Both desktop and mobile versions offer an intuitive layout and efficient menus alongside useful features such as live streaming, bet constructor, in-play betting, and early cash out.
BetWinner’s main promotional offer for new members is a 100% first deposit match, up to EUR 100. For returning members, the bookmaker delivers frequent accumulator boosts and improved odds. Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin, and Ethereum are some of the most common methods available for deposits and withdrawals on this platform.
No. 2 – Megapari
Megapari is a trustworthy online bookie with a growing presence in the Ukrainian market. It provides impressive coverage of more than 40 sports and Esports markets, ranging from major categories like basketball to niche picks such as futsal.
Megapari’s website has a plain betting interface that encourages easy navigation and instant bet placement. It doesn’t come with a lot of features, but the common ones like in-play betting, cash out, and bet builder are all available.
New users on the Megapari online betting platform qualify for a 100% bonus after their first deposit. Some alternative offers currently available are cashback, weekend reload, and free bets. This bookmaker is one of the industry’s top crypto betting sites, so it’s perfect for punters who prefer deposits and withdrawals made on the blockchain.
No. 3 – 888Starz
888Starz is a cryptocurrency betting site offering competitive odds on a broad selection that includes over 40 types of sports. The bookie’s most prominent pre-match betting markets are hockey, football, and rugby. Ukrainian bettors are likely to get the best value on competitions that fall under those categories.
The 888Starz homepage holds a lot of information, but it keeps things simple for users by providing a neatly organized layout with retractable menus. Functional mobile apps are also available for those who prefer to wager on the go.
At the time of writing, this sportsbook’s Promotions tab contains a 100% welcome offer, accumulator profit boosts, and generous loyalty rewards. To claim any of these bonuses, you’ll first need to deposit through cryptocurrency or e-wallet providers.
No. 4 – Chipstars
Chipstars is a popular sportsbook that caters to Ukrainian locals with its pre-match and live betting coverage of more than 35 sports. We assessed the bookmaker’s odds and found that they are similar in value to the best betting sites.
A standout quality of Chipstars is its mobile version, loaded with practical features like in-play betting, score updates, in-depth statistics, and live streaming. Despite packing several functions, the site still operates with impressive response times and very little lag.
If you’re searching for the best sports betting bonuses in Ukraine, Chipstars is a good place to begin. The bookie has a lucrative three-layered welcome package of 100-270%, up to €36,460, alongside weekly cashback, crypto reload offers, and multibet boosts.
No. 5 – Rolletto
Rolletto offers convenient betting opportunities on widespread competitions like the Ukrainian Premier League and Basketball Super League. The sportsbook is especially popular for providing market-topping prices on Champions League and Europa matches that involve Shakhtar Donetsk or Dynamo Kyiv.
Betting on the Rolletto website is straightforward, thanks to the intuitive sidebar menu and simple color scheme. When wagering on ongoing events, bettors can access complementary tools such as in-play match statistics and animated live streaming.
We found Rolletto’s collection of bonuses to be adequate for most punters. A 150% first deposit bonus is available for new users, and existing members are eligible for free bets after placing a trio of accumulator bets.
This bookmaker supports multiple banking methods, but cryptocurrencies are the fastest and most secure options.
No. 6 – GoldenLion
GoldenLion is a relatively new sportsbook that has quickly developed a solid reputation in the industry. It delivers competitive odds on 1,000+ betting markets spread across more than 35 sports categories, including ice hockey, boxing, and basketball.
This bookmaker runs on a simple, user-friendly website that is perfect for beginners. It has a dedicated live betting page containing hundreds of in-play markets and a statistics tool for monitoring your bets. An early cash out tool is also available to help you secure profits or minimize losses.
The bonus selection on GoldenLion is limited to a 100% welcome offer and weekly bet credits, but both promotions come with friendly wagering terms. For deposits or payouts, we recommend using crypto coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
No. 7 – Yugibet
Yugibet is a fast-growing online bookmaker offering quality odds and numerous sports betting opportunities. It is the ideal site for punters looking to bet on special events like the Eurovision Song Contest, Oscars, or US presidential elections.
The Yugibet desktop and mobile versions have a well-arranged, compact layout that’s convenient to navigate. They come with standard in-play betting, live streaming, early payout, and bet builder tools to improve the wagering experience of users.
Bonuses are a strong suit of Yugibet, as evidenced by its generous 100% welcome package, up to €100. A few other promotions that pack impressive value are the weekend sports reload, bore draw bonus, and weekly free bet tokens. Ukrainian bettors on this site have access to several e-wallet options for completing transactions.
No. 8 – WeltBet
WeltBet’s coverage of over 35 sports categories enables it to cater to punters with diverse betting preferences. This bookmaker’s real strength lies in its ice hockey markets, which are widely varied and furnished with very lucrative odds.
The WeltBet website has a standard layout with practical menu bars and organized tabs that make for better visibility and navigation. It’s also integrated with Esports, virtual sports, and live betting options for a diversified experience.
Bonuses are a real strength of this online betting platform. New users can either claim a 100% first deposit bonus of up to €200 or a 150% crypto highroller offer, capped at €2500. The available promotions for returning bettors include a €300 free bet, 20% reload, and 10 – 20% cashback.
WeltBet supports more than 10 banking methods, with Mastercard and Neteller being the most popular.
No. 9 – Dreambet Sportsbook
Dreambet is a top-rated sports betting platform that is fast becoming popular among new and experienced bettors. It offers competitive pre-match and live odds on events across more than 30 markets, including mainstream categories like football, ice hockey, and boxing.
Punters will find the Dreambet website very easy to get used to. It balances an aesthetically pleasing background with user-friendly menus to deliver a well-rounded wagering experience. The experience is further improved by helpful features like in-play mode, real-time statistics, and cash out.
Dreambet’s welcome bonus is a 100% match, which means your first deposit with the bookmaker will be doubled. Subsequently, bettors here will enjoy risk-free bonus credits and insured bets. The accepted payment options on this site range from cryptocurrencies to debit cards and e-wallets.
No. 10 – DexterBet
DexterBet is a reliable sportsbook that provides several positives and very few downsides. One of the major benefits is its vast market coverage, which extends to 40+ types of sports and over 1,000 live events daily.
Another positive aspect of DexterBet is its intuitive betting interface that encourages seamless navigation. The bookie does not have a mobile app, but its browser-based mobile version functions well and has all the features available on the desktop site.
New users here receive a 100% bonus after their first deposit, while existing members qualify for weekly reload bonuses. DexterBet supports both fiat and crypto transactions, which means you can deposit with an e-wallet or a crypto asset like Tether.
How to Open an Account at a Ukrainian Bookmaker
Opening an account with any available bookmaker in Ukraine is a very straightforward process and no different from setting up an account with a sportsbook in any other country. It also doesn't matter whether you use a locally licensed bookmaker or an international sports gambling platform.
How We Rank the Best Online Betting Sites in Ukraine
Any successful betting journey starts with picking the right sportsbook, which can be tedious, especially if you need help knowing where to start looking. However, if you want to recognize the top betting sites, you can follow our criteria to rank the best online betting sites in Ukraine.
| Criteria | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Betting Markets | When ranking the best online betting sites, we must focus on whether the sportsbook has enough betting markets. It is usually fine for those who bet only on the biggest and most popular sports and leagues; however, even then, it's important to have access to as many markets and bet types as possible. |
| Usability | A good bookmaker must have a well-designed platform with all the features you'll need for an enjoyable betting experience. That includes quick bets, betting apps, and a website that works smoothly without any issues. |
| Special Offers | Special offers and other betting bonus offers are not to be ignored. Even though bonuses and offers aren't as important as quality betting odds, they still offer plenty of value, especially when discussing special promotions, including enhanced odds, cashback offers, free bets, and more. |
| Safety | You can only have a good bookmaker if it's safe, so before registering with any betting site, we must check whether it is safe. The easiest way is to ensure the bookmaker has a valid betting license, either a local gambling license or another reputable license such as MGA or UKGC. |
| Reputation | A good reputation is just as important as safety, granted the 2 often go hand-in-hand. A sportsbook can be safe but have a bad reputation, but it's never the other way around. If a bookmaker in Ukraine has a good reputation, you can be sure that it's safe and knows how to offer an enjoyable betting experience. |
Popular Bonuses & Promotions
Even though it's less important than good betting odds, looking for bookmakers with the best free bet offers in Ukraine is a wise choice since betting bonuses and offers can be highly valuable. And while there is no such thing as the best bookmaker with the best bonuses, there is a difference between great sportsbooks that regularly offer bonuses and promotions and those that could do a better job.
|
4.2
|
Rakeboost bonus
|
Rakeback is a withdrawable bonus that is accrued for each bet and depends on your current Rank. Please bet responsibly, begambleaware.org. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. | |
|
4.2
|
First Deposit Bonus 125% up to $1000
|
New customers only. Bonus is valid for 7 days. Terms & Conditions apply. Please bet responsibly, begambleaware.org. | |
|
4.3
|
-
|
- | |
|
4.4
|
100% up to $200 in Free bets
|
New customers only! Make your first deposit and get a 100% bonus up to $200 in free bets! Full T&Cs apply | |
|
4.3
|
-
|
- | |
|
3.6
|
|
||
|
4.7
|
100% up to €100
|
Register with BETWINNER and receive a 100% bonus on the 1st deposit up to 100 EUR! Full T&Cs apply | |
|
4.2
|
100% up to €500
|
Mystake Welcomes You with up to 500€ /£ /$ Bonus on your first deposit! | |
|
4.5
|
200% up to 20000 USDT
|
New customers only! Please bet responsibly, begambleaware.org. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. | |
|
4.8
|
Up to $30 in Free Bets
|
New customers only! Please bet responsibly, begambleaware.org. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. | |
|
4.8
|
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets
|
#ad New Customers only. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. | |
|
4.2
|
100% up to ₿1
|
New customers only! Get 100% bonus up to ₿1 on your First Deposit! Full T&Cs apply | |
|
4.2
|
30% up to €300 in Freebet
|
New customers only! Deposit now and receive your 30% freebet bonus up to €300. Full T&Cs apply | |
|
4.3
|
|
||
|
4.5
|
|
Deposit Match
The deposit match is one of the most popular and most common bonus offers found on betting sites in Ukraine, and it often comes as a part of the welcome bonus. Even though welcome bonuses can include other offers, the deposit match is the most popular.
It's important to note that all deposit match bonuses have a rollover requirement and an upper limit.
Bet and Get
Some betting sites and Ukrainian betting apps will have a bet and get a bonus, which works similarly to the deposit match. Still, instead of depositing to enable the offer, you have to place your favourite bet. For example, a sportsbook can have a Bet 20€ get 20€ offer, where you stand to get 20€ in free bets by placing a 20€ wager.
UA Sports Betting Market Overview
| 📅 Sports Betting Legal Since: | 2020 |
| 🏢 Regulatory Body: | The Ukrainian Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) |
| ⚖️ Legal Acts: | Gambling Law No 768-IX (2020) |
| 🧾 Taxation: | 18% |
| ⚽ Favorite Sports to Bet on: | Football, basketball, ice hockey, handball, futsal |
| 🏅 Widespread Tournaments\Competitions to Bet on: | Ukrainian Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Ukrainian Handball Super League |
| 🎰 Other Popular Gambling Markets: | Online casinos, slots, online poker |
| ⭐ Most Popular Sportsbooks: | 1win, Vbet, Pin-Up |
Bet of the Day in Ukraine
Local bettors have plenty of bookmakers to choose from for their sports gambling endeavours and sites that offer online casinos. And with that also comes great market coverage, ensuring that locals can bet on whichever sport or league they desire –big international events or smaller local tournaments.
WHAT IS THE BEST BET FOR TODAY?
Among the offers of markets are special bets on local teams or players and domestic competitions,
typically covered well by local bookmakers and often come with special promotions.
Bet on Sports
Sports betting in Ukraine is very popular, which explains why the sports betting industry is booming and why so many new sportsbooks are entering the local market. And even though locals bet on all sports, a few sports stand out as the most popular among punters without any major exceptions.
Those include football, ice hockey, basketball, boxing, tennis, and Esports, especially Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the country's most popular game. That doesn't mean that the betting sites in Ukraine don't offer markets on other sports, but the mentioned few tend to get the most attention and often have special promotions.
Football
Football is by far the most popular sport and the most bet-on sport in the country. That is why it's easy to find football betting sites, but mainly because football is the biggest sport in the world, watched by billions of people.
Basketball
Basketball is, behind football, the biggest sport in the world and one of the best-covered sports on betting sites. The easy accessibility of basketball markets does play a big role in why basketball is so popular. Still, we also have to consider that the country has a domestic basketball league which adds to the sport's popularity.
Ice Hockey
The country has succeeded with ice hockey, one of the country's most played, watched, and bet-on sports. It's also one of the easiest sports to start betting on, making it a perfect choice for new bettors.
Boxing
It is known to foster some of the best boxers in the world, so naturally, boxing is a very popular sport among the local population. And that popularity also ushered local punters to start betting on boxing.
Tennis
As the home country of Elina Svitolina and many other excellent tennis players, the state is naturally very big on tennis, one of the country's most watched and bet on sports. Moreover, since tennis is one of the biggest sports in the world, any bookmaker in Ukraine will have betting markets on it, making it one of the most accessible sports to bet on.
Esports
Esports betting has been gaining in popularity over the last decade here. That is thanks to the increased viewership of Esports and the fact that nowadays, all bookmakers offer Esports betting markets.
CS:GO Betting Sites
Locals often bet on various Esports, but by far the most popular is Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, largely because CS:GO is also one of the most-played video games in the country. In some parts, the huge popularity of CS:GO is also thanks to the local Esports organization Natus Vincere, which is widely known as one of the best CS:GO teams in the world.
Due to the popularity of CS:GO betting, it shouldn't come off as a surprise that all online gambling sites give the option to bet on CS:GO, which comes with the best free bet offers in Ukraine for CS:GO betting.
Bet on Competitions
Those who want to bet on local Ukrainian tournaments and competitions have plenty of options since it is home to many sports competitions, which are well covered by most sportsbooks.
Those include the Ukrainian Premier League and the Basketball SuperLeague, two of the most popular sports competitions in the country.
Bet on Tournaments
Just as it's easy to bet on local competitions and local sports leagues, it's easy to find betting markets on various sports tournaments in the country.
Some of the biggest include the Ukrainian Cup, Esports events (WePlay), and many boxing competitions hosted here.
Bet on Ukrainian Teams
It's easy to find betting opportunities on local teams since there are plenty of local sporting tournaments and competitions featuring its teams.
Moreover, some local teams compete in international events – such as Dynamo Kyiv, which regularly features in the UEFA Champions League.
Bet on Ukrainian Players
Considering how many exceptional sports athletes hail from here, it's easy to find betting opportunities to bet on local sportspersons.
Elina Svitolina regularly competes on the WTA Tour, and those who prefer to bet on boxing won't struggle to find markets every time Oleksandr Usyk is set to fight.
How to Choose the Best Bookmakers in Ukraine
Since there are few restrictions on which sportsbooks Ukrainian bettors can use and are free to register with and bet on international betting sites, local punters have plenty of options when looking for the best place to place a Ukraine bet. However, due to the large offer of sportsbooks, determining the best choices is also more work.
To simplify the process, we can follow a few criteria, indicating whether a bookmaker is a good choice and whether it's worth creating an account with.
- Safety & Reputation – All of the best betting websites in Ukraine must be safe and have a good reputation. You want only to use bookmakers, which can ensure the safety of your money and personal information, but just as important is to use reputable online gambling sites, which are well-accepted by bettors and don't have a shady past.
- Quality Odds – Odds will ultimately dictate how much profit we can make. Even though there is no such thing as one sportsbook with the best betting odds in Ukraine, many offer competitive prices.
- Betting Markets – just as important as quality odds is the availability of betting markets, meaning that a good bookmaker has to have markets on as many sports and leagues as possible. This way, we can ensure that we can bet on whatever we want and however we desire.
- Mobile App – the best bookmakers will have betting apps that work in Ukraine, and while this might not sound like a big feature for those who don't bet from their phones, a mobile app can come in handy, especially for those who bet on the road.
- Good Bonuses – a solid betting bonus offer is a big plus. Even though good bonus offers aren't as important as quality odds, bonuses can offer a lot of value for bettors and shouldn't be ignored.
- Customer Support – good customer support, with reliable agents and more than just one way to get in touch with them, is a good sign of quality betting sites. Registering with a sportsbook with good customer support ensures that we'll be able to resolve any issues we might encounter quickly and without any added hassle, which is an excellent thing, but often overlooked.
- Banking Options – the best website for online betting in Ukraine should have enough payment and withdrawal options to ensure we can deposit and withdraw our winnings without issues. Most importantly, the transactions should be fast and have little or no fees.
Popular Deposit Methods
The country has no local payment options for depositing on online betting sites, meaning that local bettors have to resort to using some of the international payment methods, including Neteller and Skrill, as 2 of the most popular payment options.
Credit/debit card payments are an option but not a reliable method. Hence not as popular as e-wallets. Although an available method, credit/debit card payments are only available on locally-licensed betting companies in Ukraine.
Neteller
Neteller is one of the most popular online payment methods here, with locals using it for various online purchases and depositing on Ukrainian betting sites. It offers quick and secure transactions and withdrawals and is one of the world's most popular payment methods among bettors.
Credit/Debit Cards
Credit and debit card payments are available to deposit money on local betting sites, but they are far less popular than E-wallets. That is mainly because credit/debit card payments tend only to be an option on most betting apps and bookmakers.
Popular Withdrawal Methods
Since most bettors prefer to use Neteller or other E-wallets to make a deposit, it makes sense that the majority also prefer to use the same payment option for withdrawals. Credit/debit cards are still an option, but just like how it is with making deposits, credit/debit withdrawals tend to be only available to local betting companies in Ukraine.
Over the last few years, crypto withdrawals have started to gain in popularity, but since not all sportsbooks accept crypto, this payment option is still a niche method. Still, it offers fast, safe, anonymous withdrawals, which many punters will appreciate.
The Best Ukrainian Mobile Betting Sites and Apps
It is home to many international sportsbooks, and most offer a mobile betting app. Yet out of all available options, these ones stand out as the best Ukrainian bookmakers with the best and fast mobile betting apps:
|
4.7
100% up to €100
T&Cs Apply
|
|
|
4.8
Up to $30 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
|
|
|
4.8
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets
T&Cs Apply
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
|
|
Live Betting in Ukraine
Live betting is an alternative way to wager on sports, and while it's not everyone's Cup of tea, it's becoming increasingly popular. And it has yet to be immune to the global trend of more punters betting on in-play games, eventually leading betting sites in Ukraine to offer live betting markets. Granted, most of the online gambling sites already had live betting way before that.
All good betting sites should have solid coverage of in-play betting markets on many sports, leagues, and bet types. Likewise, the live streaming option is important as it makes live betting far more convenient.
Top 5 Tips for Online Betting in Ukraine
Some casual bettors are fine with placing bets for fun and enjoying some sports gambling, but you must adhere to a few rules to make money.
| Tips | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Tip 1 – Open Multiple Accounts | You should open multiple betting accounts with several Ukrainian bookies or several of the best betting apps. This way, you can line shop, i.e., search through all available betting markets and find the best available odds on the sport you want to bet on. Moreover, having accounts with several bookmakers lets you take advantage of more betting bonus offers. |
| Tip 2 – Mix Risk and Reward | A successful journey into sports betting in the country involves managing risk and reward. That might sound like placing accumulator bets which promise high returns with low risk; however, it's more about managing your money, so if you bet in Ukraine, never risk more than you can afford to lose. |
| Tip 3 – Place Live Bets | In-play online betting in Ukraine can be highly profitable if done correctly. While it's not everyone's Cup of tea, live betting can earn any bettor knowledgeable about the sport or league he bets on very high returns, mainly because most bookmakers are bad at adjusting live odds correctly. The best bookmaker has to have both live betting markets and live streaming options. And while most have both, most only offer live betting markets without live streaming. |
| Tip 4 – Do Your Research | Finding a good bet is about thorough research before risking our money. Causal punters' favourite bet is a wager on whichever team they believe will win without doing any research, but simply betting on teams that are most likely to win usually isn't the smartest move. We have to consider the betting odds offered on the betting sites and find value bets where the odds don't accurately represent one team's or player's chance of winning. The same applies to elections betting, Esports betting, and anything in between. |
| Tip 5 – Bet Responsibly | Sports gambling can be highly addictive and quickly lead down a dark path, so it's wise to keep in mind the dangers of betting and gambling and do our best to bet as responsibly as possible. One of the best Ukraine betting tips for succeeding at betting is to manage your bankroll, never bet with more than you can afford to lose, and never chase losses. |
Ukrainian Betting Sites Pros and Cons
The country has a nicely developed sports betting industry, but there are both pros and cons to choose local sites.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
|
PROS
|
CONS
|
The History of Sports Betting in Ukraine
Sports betting and gambling in Ukraine have been legal since the country gained independence from the USSR in 1991. It remained legal until 2009 when the parliament outlawed gambling due to an incident in Kyiv's gambling hall.
Ten years later, after Volodymyr Zelenskyy was elected president, they started exploring options to legalize gambling and betting and achieved the goal in 2020 with bill 2285-D. The 2285-D bill legalized sports betting and created a regulated betting market with a local betting license.
Legislature Passes Bill to Legalise Gambling
Elected in 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the first step towards re-legalizing sports betting and gambling in the country and eventually delivered with the bill 2285-D, which was approved in January 2020 and came into force in July 2020. With it, a clear system was implemented, fully legalizing sports betting and gambling and introducing a local gambling license.
The Future of Online Gambling in Ukraine
Due to the long ban on online sports gambling, the country is still catching up to other countries regarding its online betting market size. However, things are looking up.
Since they legalized and regulated its online betting landscape, sports betting has started to boom, and more and more sportsbooks have noticed the potential as a gambling market. And while bookmakers don't necessarily need a local gambling license, it seems like they will slowly start enforcing it to start benefiting from the taxation brought by the regulated market.
All in all, Ukraine is in a good spot regarding the future of its online sports betting industry.
If the last few years are any indication, the local betting market will continue to grow and potentially set an example for its neighboring countries.
Ukraine Overview
Before we conclude our article, here are some interesting facts about the country and sports betting here you might need to learn about.
- Kyiv is the capital and the most populous city, followed by Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro.
- The official currency is the hryvnia, but bettors can also use Euro or crypto to deposit on betting sites.
- Some of the most popular online payment methods are Skrill, Neteller, credit/debit cards, and crypto.
- The most popular and legal online bookmakers in Ukraine are PariMatch, Favbet, William Hill, Bet365, and Betway.
- The most popular sports are football, basketball, ice hockey, and boxing.
- The biggest sports competitions are local Hockey League, Premier League, and the Basketball SuperLeague.
- The most popular and successful teams are Shakhtar Donetsk, Dynamo Kyiv, and Hockey Club Donbas.
- They fostered many world-class sportspersons and athletes, including Volodymyr and Vitali Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk, Andriy Shevchenko, Elina Svitolina, and Sergiy Bubka.
- The country regularly participates in the Summer and Winter Olympics and has won 148 Olympic medals, including 38 gold, 28 silver, and 72 bronze.
Bottom Line
With that, we end our guide, sharing all the information you'll need to start betting in Ukraine. But remember to gamble responsibly!
Need a trusted bookie in Ukraine?
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is online sports betting legal?Yes, online sports betting is legal in Ukraine and has been since 2020, when the country passed bill 2285-D. Before that, there was an 11-year-long period when gambling and sports betting were illegal due to an incident in Kyiv's gambling hall.
-
Which is the best betting site in Ukraine?The country has many excellent sportsbooks, but most local punters prefer PariMatch, the first locally licensed sportsbook.
-
Can punters access foreign betting sites?Yes. Local punters can freely access any international sportsbook, and there are no reports of anyone getting prosecuted. However, the authorities have been blocking access to some international bookies, meaning mirror links are sometimes needed to access some sportsbooks.
-
Are betting exchanges available in Ukraine?There are no licensed betting exchanges; however, it's possible to access them via brokers. So just like in any other country where access to exchanges isn't possible, bettors have ways to use betting exchanges.
-
Do I need to pay taxes on my winnings at Ukrainian bookmakers?No. With the recent amendments to the betting law, local punters don't need to pay taxes on their sports betting and gambling winnings, which don't are exempt from military and personal income tax.
-
What is the legal age to bet online?You must be at least 22 years old to legally use online betting sites in Ukraine.
-
What currencies do local betting sites offer?Bettors can deposit and withdraw from betting sites with hryvnia, Euro, USD, or crypto. The hryvnia is the most used currency, but there are alternative options, mainly available in international sportsbooks.
-
Can I wager at offshore betting sites from Ukraine?Yes, it's possible to use offshore bookmakers in Ukraine, and there are no reports of punters getting prosecuted. However, the government has blocked access to some international betting sites, forcing local bettors to use mirror links to access them.
-
Still have questions?
Ask our experts
