The fight for the chair of the new gambling regulator

Daniil Hetmanets, head of the parliamentary committee on customs and tax policy, promised as early as the beginning of the year that the new body, intended to replace the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), would begin operations on 1 April. However, despite the approaching deadline, neither the composition nor the head of the body has been determined to date.

A fight for survival

Just a few months ago, KRAIL staff with experience in gambling regulation were considered as candidates. However, winter events, including searches and the detention of commission head Ivan Rudoy and KRAIL member Yevhen Yakhniy, turned the process into a fierce struggle for survival.

Political games

Hetmanets and the Ministry of Digital Transformation under Mykhailo Fedorov were interested in reforming KRAIL. At present, Fedorov is leading, as the new body will be subordinate to his ministry. However, the key question remains open: who will occupy the chair?

Candidates under the spotlight

• Yevhen Yakhniy and Ivan Rudoy — both are currently in pre-trial detention.
• Olena Vodolazhko — a former lawyer in Rinat Akhmetov's structures, although her reputation raises serious doubts.
• Oleksandr Botezat — mobilised in 2022.
• Khrystyna Dutka — closely linked to Vodolazhko, but has not established herself as an independent player.
• Anna Sdobnova — former secretary to Cabinet Minister Oleksandr Nemchinov, acting head of KRAIL following Rudoy's arrest, openly claims the position.