Sanctions Imposed by KRAIL on Iran: Understanding the Purpose
In the latest ruling, gambling operators in Ukraine must abide by restrictions set by the National Security and Defense Council, which prohibits Iranian residents from withdrawing winnings. But is there any Iranian action in Ukrainian casinos?
Gambling might be outlawed in Iran, but that doesn't mean no one's playing the games. Regular crackdowns on gaming sites and mass closures are commonplace in the Middle Eastern nation, with bustling activities spotted in 2019 and 2021. Running a gambling business in the country can even cost one their life.
However, there's a segment of the population that doesn't let the law hinder their fun, even online. These folks often rely on VPNs to access gaming sites, with many international casinos rejecting Iranian players. Nevertheless, some casinos open their doors and accept the Iranian rial. Yet, no concrete data exists to support the notion of Iranian gamblers cashing in at Ukrainian casinos.
Author: Alina Shvets
Want to dive deeper into the gambling scene in Ukraine? Check out these articles:
- Gambling in the Shadows: Why There Are So Many Illegal Casinos in Ukraine (sporting.net)
- KRAIL Approves Merger of Registries
- Gambling Dutch Style: Gambling Brings 1 Billion Euros to the Country's Budget
Note: It's important to clarify that there's no solid proof in the publicly available data confirming whether Iranian players are participating in Ukrainian casinos. Although it's common knowledge that gambling is forbidden in Iran, and some Iranians might attempt to bypass these restrictions via online or foreign gambling venues, there's current evidence that delineates this activity in Ukrainian casinos. Additionally, there's no mention of Iranian nationals among top players in Ukrainian poker rankings, which are openly listed.
Casino-and-gambling activities remain popular among certain individuals in Iran despite the prohibition, as they resort to using VPNs and accessing international casinos, some of which accept the Iranian rial. Nevertheless, no evidence has emerged suggesting that Iranian gamblers are cashing in at Ukrainian casinos, as their participation in these establishments remains speculative based on the available data.
