How Pre Match obtained a licence

The Ukrainian Gambling Regulation Commission (KRAIL) issued a licence to the online casino operator "Pre Match", despite court injunctions. 

Company foundation and partnerships

The company "Pre Match" began its operations in July 2024. Its founder is Ternopil businessman Mykhailo Kharish, who has significant experience working in state structures and participating in tenders. 

His business partner is Bohdan Yakymets, known for his connections with former head of the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office Nazar Holovatskyi and involvement in construction projects financed with funds linked to Ihor Kolomoyskyi.

The company also raises interest due to the fact that its office is located in the premises of the management company "UK Ekspertyza", which belongs to Kharish, raising doubts about the transparency of its activities.

Court injunctions and violation of rulings

The Kyiv court previously imposed a ban on issuing a licence to "Pre Match", citing the similarity of its name to the Parimatch brand, which is under sanctions. However, despite this court injunction, on 22 October 2024, KRAIL decided to issue the licence, citing the lifting of the judicial block at the company's request.

Transparency issues and new projects

KRAIL has repeatedly been accused of corruption and lack of transparency. Following the introduction of sanctions against Parimatch, several new projects appeared on the market, such as "Gorilla" and "Beton", which obtained licences from the commission despite connections with sanctioned structures.

Legislative initiatives and KRAIL's future

Bill No. 9256 was registered in the Verkhovna Rada, which proposes the liquidation of KRAIL. However, experts warn that this could lead to chaos in the gambling market due to the absence of a regulator. Many consider it more reasonable to improve the commission's work rather than liquidate it.