The primary goal of any business is to generate profit. To understand profitability, a company must clearly define its cost structure — and taxation plays a key role. When tax systems are transparent and rates are predictable, businesses can plan, develop, and invest with confidence. Unfortunately, Ukraine currently lacks clear taxation terms for the gambling industry. Even basic concepts remain undefined, hindering the development of the legal market and strengthening illegal operators.

Tax legislation forms the backbone of any regulatory framework, particularly in commercial sectors. It directly influences how attractive a market is to investors. Gambling operators are generally willing to comply with complex licensing requirements if they can operate profitably under fair and transparent tax rules.

However, Ukraine still has no unified system for taxing gambling businesses. Fundamental terms such as “winnings” and “gross gaming revenue (GGR)” have not been clearly defined. Without these, consistent taxation rules cannot be established. As a result, foreign companies hesitate to invest or do so cautiously, as unpredictable taxes erode potential profits.

This creates two major challenges:

Excessive taxation on winnings discourages players. Many prefer illegal platforms to avoid high tax deductions, which weakens the legal sector and fuels the growth of the shadow market.

Unclear tax definitions complicate state oversight. The government cannot effectively control or collect taxes without a legally established method for calculating GGR.

While discussions about adjusting tax rates — whether fixed or progressive — may take time, Ukraine must first align its tax terminology with international and EU standards. This step would benefit the state, players, and licensed businesses alike.

Establishing a unified tax base and clear definitions for winnings and GGR is not just a technical fix; it is a strategic move to attract legal investment, stabilize state revenue, and protect players. Countries like Lithuania (13% GGR tax) and Estonia (4–6% GGR tax) demonstrate that clarity and predictability encourage both compliance and investment.

A consistent tax framework will prevent manipulation, eliminate subjective interpretations by tax authorities, and reduce the migration of players to illegal operators. Ultimately, this will enhance player protection, increase state budget revenues, and help Ukraine build a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly gambling market.