Illegal poker clubs.Photo: tabloyid.
Despite numerous criminal proceedings and searches, illegal poker clubs have stepped up their activities in Ukraine. The most high-profile case concerns the Khreshchatyk poker club in Kyiv, which was repeatedly reported by journalists of the Slidstvo.Info project. It was regularly searched, and the owners were involved in criminal cases related to money laundering. However, according to the Telegraf portal, the club has reopened its doors to players.
Returning to work
On September 13, 2024, FullHousekyiv telegram channel announced the reopening of the Khreshchatyk Sports Poker Club on September 15. The club is announcing single-table tournaments with fixed blinds in such popular disciplines as Texas 5/10, Texas 10/25, Texas 25/50 and Omaha 25/25. It is interesting that the game has no time limits, which may indicate significant cash stakes.
An advert for dealer-instructors appeared on job search sites, with a promised salary of 45,000 hryvnias. The Khreshchatyk club is located at 18 Khreshchatyk Street, where the Full House poker club chain, known for its illegal activities, used to operate.
Information leaks and law enforcement response
The club’s illegal activities became known in January 2021, when Slidstvo.info journalists reported on the existence of a large gambling hall in the basement of the Trade Union Building on Maidan. According to the reporters, there were VIP rooms for gambling, which pointed to signs of an illegal casino.
The National Police responded to the sensational reports by opening a criminal case under Article 203-2, paragraph 1, of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The first search of the club took place on 29 May 2021, but the story did not end there.
Recent searches and new arrests
On 23 January 2024, the Bureau of Economic Security announced the exposure of a network of underground poker clubs that had already been searched in July 2023. About UAH 4 million in cash, computer equipment and 40 poker tables were seized. During the game, the club’s administration deducted a commission from the participants, which indicated the organisation of gambling without a licence.
The court rulings indicate more serious articles of the criminal code, including money laundering on a large scale, which can lead to a sentence of up to 12 years in prison.
Corruption and impunity
One of the key reasons why poker clubs continue to operate illegally is the constant corruption component that protects the gambling business. The State Bureau of Investigation released information that law enforcement officers were involved in the organisation of underground gambling halls and received bribes to “cover” their activities.
The rather liberal sanction of Article 203-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine provides for only fines, which allows the “gambling mafia” to continue its activities without any problems. The absence of licensing for sports poker services creates opportunities for organising gambling under the guise of sports competitions, which makes it difficult to combat illegal business.
The resumption of illegal poker clubs in Ukraine indicates serious problems in the system of control and fight against corruption. Despite numerous searches and criminal cases, the gambling business continues to operate, threatening the rule of law and economic stability of the country. Ukraine needs to improve its legislation and control mechanisms to stop the spread of illegal gambling and protect its citizens.
