Ukraine Gambling Ban Is Implemented

KIEV, Ukraine -- Following the recent backdown over the presidential veto by President Viktor Kuschenko of the Ukraine, the gambling ban has been imposed with immediate effect in the Ukraine, reports Ukra News. And the ban includes online gambling.
The text of the law was published in the Holos Ukrainy (Voice of Ukraine) newspaper, on June 25, enforcing the vote of the Verkhovna Rada despite President Kuschenko's appeals for a more considered approach, and his unsuccessful attempt to exercise his veto to effect this.The law defines gambling as the activity or organisation of gambling games for profit in terrestrial casinos, via slot machines, at bookmaker’s offices, and in virtual casinos.It also covers any game requiring betting, allowing rewards for wins, and which fully or partially depends on the element of chance.Exceptions include: Lotteries, art contests, billiards, and certain other games such as pickup reward machines that depend on player dexterity or those for charitable causes.The law makes provision for punitive measures against offenders and the confiscation of gambling equipment.