Ukraine introduces a state standard of assistance to people with gambling addiction
Kyiv • UNN
Ukraine has approved a new state standard for the social and psychological rehabilitation of people with gambling addiction. The document was developed by the Center for Responsible Gaming in cooperation with government agencies and scientists.
On December 20, the State Standard of Social Service for Social and Psychological Rehabilitation of People with Gambling Addiction came into force, approved by the order of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine on October 8, 2024. The new standard was developed by the NGO Responsible Gaming Center (RGC) together with public authorities, scientific and public communities. The document can be found at the link, UNN reports.
"The standard adopted by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine is an important step in helping people facing the problem of gambling addiction and their families. For the first time in Ukrainian practice, this document regulates the procedure for providing social services to people with gambling addiction. It includes innovative methods of work based on scientific research, and also takes into account the social aspect of the problem, providing for a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation," said Olga Isayeva, Director of the Center for Responsible Gaming.
RGC's efforts to build an effective gambling addiction prevention system began almost two years ago, when in February 2023, a national study of gambling addiction was launched under the auspices of the Ministry of Health with the participation of leading scientists, sociologists and doctors and with the support of socially responsible businesses.
Based on the data obtained during the RGC study, criteria for pathological and problem gambling behavior were developed, and tools for early detection of addiction risks were created. In March 2023, Kyiv also saw the opening of the first Center for Social and Psychological Support "Space of Life", which became a pilot platform for the introduction of new methods of assistance and has been successfully operating to this day.
Roundtable discussion on the draft State Standard of Social Service for Social and Psychological Rehabilitation of People with Gambling Addiction, organized by the Center for Responsible Gaming, July 2024.
The State Standard was a logical continuation of this work. The main sponsor of the project "Implementation of social services for people at risk of gambling addiction in Ukraine" was FAVBET, which became an example of effective cooperation between the state, the public, and socially responsible business.
"The main goal of the project is not only to fight existing addiction, but also to prevent it, identify risk groups in a timely manner, and provide qualified support to all those who need it. As a responsible business and a legal entertainment operator, FAVBET will continue to cooperate with all stakeholders to implement the best international standards of care for the safety and well-being of players in Ukraine," FAVBET said.
In 2025, the team of the Center for Responsible Gaming plans to continue the work they have started. Priority tasks will include the full launch of the social services system, training specialists in modern methods of diagnosis, counseling and rehabilitation, and expanding the network of support centers based on the Space of Life model.
