In an exposé article from Telegraf, also reported by outlets like RBC-Ukraine, journalists explained that the Bulgarian owner of the company, Georgi Papazki, and his associate, the businessman Mikhail Sevdiev, have recently registered two gambling-related companies at the hotel.

Both men, the outlets claimed, have ties to a Bulgarian firm involved in the development of gambling software, named Pate Play.

Kyiv Casino Plans Under Scrutiny

The authors of the article note that Papazki is “one of the most influential gambling operators in Bulgaria.”

He is also linked to the controversial gambling tycoon and politician Vasil Bozhkov. The United States has accused Bozhkov of attempting to “create channels of Russian influence” in the Bulgarian government.

Bozhkov has faced scrutiny in his home country over alleged links to the late Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. The former was placed under house arrest in 2024 after returning to the nation after several years on the run.

The media outlets also suggested they have seen evidence that Papazki “may be involved in laundering funds of Russian origin through gambling businesses.”

Who Owns The Premier Palace Hotel?

The Premier Palace Hotel itself also remains in the spotlight. The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has launched a legal case aimed at confiscating the hotel. The ministry states that the hotel has been registered under the name of a Slovak citizen residing in France.

Investigators claim that numerous other assets, all belonging to Russian nationals, have also been transferred to the same person.

The ministry claims that the hotel is actually “an asset” that belongs to three sanctioned Russian businessmen, namely: Alexander Babakov, Yevgeny Giner, and Mikhail Voevodin.

Ukraine is currently revamping its gambling industry regulations. Kyiv has launched a new agency that will be charged with issuing operating licenses.

As such, all license issuances have been temporarily suspended. This has not put Papazki and Sevdiev off “actively trying to obtain” a permit for their casino businesses, the media outlets wrote.

In February, Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation announced the detention of the director of the online casino platform Pin-Up.

The director, who was unnamed in the bureau’s press release, was accused of “aiding and abetting” the Russian state.

The bureau said an investigation into Pin-Up found that the platform’s “real owners” were “Russian citizens.”

It stated that the owners “collected personal data and information” about Pin-Up users, including members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In January, Ukrainian police officers arrested 120 people in a raid on a live casino studio that allegedly served an illegal online casino platform.

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Per a Telegram post from the Kemerovo Oblast’s Ministry of Internal Affairs regional office, a court in the region’s Leninsk-Kuznetsky district will try the man later this year on theft-related charges.

The office said its investigators had completed their probe into the man. The accused was described as a friend of a “veteran of the Russian Special Military Operation” in Ukraine.

The accused has made a “full confession” and is cooperating with the investigation, the office added. The man could be jailed for up to 10 years if he is convicted.

Russian Man ‘Stole Money to Buy Car and Gamble’

The soldier had signed a contract with the Russian military. Before leaving for the front lines, he reportedly asked the accused to assist him with making financial transfers while he was away.

The same soldier allegedly gave the accused his SIM card, which was linked to his bank account. While the soldier was alive, the defendant assisted his friend in making a series of payments and bank transfers.

But after the soldier died, the accused stole some 1.5 million rubles ($19,130) from his friend’s account, investigators said.

The accused then allegedly used this money to play gambling games on online casinos. He also used the money to buy a car and transfer cash into his bank account, investigators added.

The Kemerovo Ministry of Internal Affairs explained: “By the time official information about the soldier’s death was sent to his family, there was no money left in the deceased’s account.”

Mother Tipped off Police

The soldier’s mother had been told about her son’s financial arrangements with his friend. Suspecting something was amiss, she filed a report with the police.

Earlier this month, the Russian Central Bank updated its commercial banking regulations in an attempt to block illegal online casinos from using cash and card mules.

The bank thinks that scores of illegal online casino operators now recruit Russian teenagers and people aged in their early twenties to act as “droppers.”

These droppers use their bank accounts to launder cash from illegal betting sites. Some also set up shell companies and open corporate bank accounts, which they also use to launder funds. 

They are typically paid a commission fee for every successful transaction they complete.

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The new licence, which the company believes will help “create a wholesome community around PokerMatch Ukraine”, follows on from a decision #386 made by the regulator on 25 June.

“The license is a big and important step for the entire company. PokerMatch will continue to popularise and develop sports poker in Ukraine and make players happy,” stated Victor Kyrychenko, CEO of the PokerMatch.UA.

According to Kyrychenko, gaining a licence to organise and operate online poker games will help create a social community among poker players.

He added: “Now there are great resources and platforms to bring people together according to their interests. Social networks, forums, meetings with players in a ‘live’ format – all this strengthens the trust users have in the company and, of course, gives the necessary feedback on the implemented projects and ideas for future plans.”

PokerMatch.UA outlined its plans to organise live series in Ukraine, with plans to place a focus upon the sports component of poker.

A spokesperson for PokerMatch.UA said: “We want to take a leading position in the Ukrainian market in the first year after legalisation. We are sure that with our arsenal of marketing tools, experience and understanding of poker player psychology, we will succeed.

“We will popularise sports poker, encouraging more and more Ukrainians to enter the world of this beautiful game.”

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Matt Bastock

PIN-UP Global has strongly denied allegations by the State Bureau of Investigation of inappropriate links to Russia.

The iGaming B2B solutions provider’s CEO and Owner, Marina Ilina, has conducted a lengthy interview with NEXT, seeking to clarify PIN-UP Ukraine’s business dealings, which are currently under investigation.

Investigation Freezes Accounts and Detains Owner

As a result of the investigation, PIN-UP Ukraine’s accounts have been frozen, and operations suspended indefinitely. The SBI has brought legal proceedings to investigate payments made between the Ukrainian entity and the global arm, a separate international entity headquartered in Cyprus. 

PIN-UP Global vehemently denies the charges, stating that the payment transactions were made under an inter-party software agreement with no links to the Russian state. 

The Ukrainian entity’s owner, Igor Zotko, has been detained by law enforcement. Ilina has said in a statement that there is no legal justification for his detention, stating: “So far, the prosecution has not been able to explain which specific facts support their charges and why the court chose such a preventative measure without considering softer alternatives, such as bail or house arrest.” 

She lamented the company’s treatment: “The accusations made, and methods used against Ukr Game Technology LLC seem to be a roughly staged campaign aimed to discredit and raid one of the major market operators, based on manipulations and legal absurdity.” 

The CEO described the claim that royalty payments from Ukraine to Cyprus are an alleged Russian connection as “absurd.” 

Ilina has suggested that the State Bureau of Investigation’s approach damages the country overall. She commented: ” Everything that is happening today is not about the law—it’s about politics, raiding, and the attempt of Igor Zotko’s competitors to destroy his business in Ukraine at any cost.” 

She described the SBI as a political tool rather than a law-enforcement agency, adding, “The approach they have chosen in this criminal proceeding sets a dangerous precedent for any entrepreneur cooperating with Ukrainian business.” 

Ilina predicts foreign investment into the country to be damaged, stating: “At any moment, the SBI can classify lawful business operations as ‘high treason’ and block accounts, meaning that no foreign investor in Ukraine can be sure of the future.” 

Late last month, the National Police of Ukraine raided a live casino studio and arrested 120 for facilitating illegal gambling. The unlawful gambling site was also alleged to have Russian connections.

Further, a Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries member was detained on suspicion of “supporting the activities of an online casino in Ukraine that had been involved in laundering Russian money.” Ivan Rudyi, the former head of the Commission, has also been detained and sanctioned for similar charges.

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Matt Bastock

Matt is a casino and sports betting expert with over two decades’ writing and editing experience. He loves getting into the nitty gritty of how casinos and sportsbooks really operate in order to make solid recommendations based on real experiences. His favourite games are blackjack and poker, and he loves watching NFL and soccer in his spare time.

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The report by Next.io suggests that the authorities seized 60 gaming tables, decks of cards, dice, servers, and computer equipment during the raid. 

Reportedly, the police said, “Investigative actions are being conducted within the framework of criminal proceedings initiated under Part 2 of Article 364 (Abuse of Power or Official Position) and Part 5 of Article 190 (Fraud) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.”

The statement continued, “The pre-trial investigation is ongoing; law enforcement officers are analyzing data from the seized computer equipment, identifying all persons involved in the illegal activity.”

Further details suggest that the online casino has been operating for four years and has generated $50m in revenue. Ukrainian citizens are the primary customer base, and the casino also targets other European and Asian countries. Cryptocurrency facilitates payments. 

Illegal Casino Tied to Russian Influence and Money Laundering

It follows a tumultuous time in the Ukranian gambling sphere. Two weeks ago, the Ukrainian news site UNN reported that a Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries member had been detained on suspicion of supporting the activities of an online casino in Ukraine that had been involved in laundering Russian money. 

Per reports, the civil servant, along with the previously detained and sanctioned head of the Commission, Ivan Rudyi, failed to take measures to revoke the casino license to conduct online gambling activities despite knowledge of the illegal activity. 

A statement to UNN (translated) from the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office said, “As part of the investigation of the commercial structure, the SBU confirmed the online casino’s ties with representatives of Russia and Russian capital, as well as with entities sanctioned in Ukraine. The online casino collected personal information about Ukrainian customers. Thus, the aggressor state had personal data and information about the customers’ location, including military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations.” 

UNN reports that the Police served the civil servant with a notice of ‘suspicion of aiding the aggressor state,’ the punishment is currently being contemplated. 

Ivan Rudyi was detained on 19 December 2024 without bail for facilitating the activities of the Russian casino Pin Up. The court recommends imprisonment. 

The problems date back further, with 1Xbet only being sanctioned in 2023 after President Zelensky and the Bureau of Economic Security intervened. 

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Greentube’s collection of in-house slot content will become available to Casino UA players through the deal, enhancing the supplier’s presence in the Eastern European nation. Greentube has been treating Ukraine as a “priority” since entering the market in 2021. 

Opher Ben Zvi, Team Leader Sales Operations at Greentube, explained: “We’re thrilled to expand our reach in Ukraine through this partnership with Casino UA. This collaboration allows us to bring our popular land-based titles alongside our latest online hits to a whole new audience. 

“Since entering the Ukrainian market in 2021, it’s been a priority to grow our presence, and this partnership with a leading operator like Casino UA is a significant step forward.”

The slot developer’s offering will bolster both Casino UA’s retail and online casino services with over 100 land-based games as well as several online titles, such as Book of Ra, Sizzling Hot and Piggy Prizes.

Olexandr Babenko, Director at Casino UA, added: “Greentube’s diverse selection of games is truly impressive, as the provider aims to deliver the exact gaming experience players desire, catering to a wide range of preferences. We welcome Greentube to the Casino UA club. 

“Together with top developers, we’re bringing the best gaming experience to Ukrainian players.”

Elsewhere on the continent, Greentube Regional Manager Lisa Sandner recently discussed “significant” opportunities in Portugal whilst attending last month’s SBC Summit in Lisbon. 

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As a result of the collaboration, Ukrainian Casino.ua players will gain access to Amusnet’s complete catalogue of proprietary slot titles as the supplier looks to expand its reach across the Eastern European market. 

Irina Rusimova, Chief Sales Officer at Amusnet, commented: “Teaming up with Casino.ua allows us to showcase our diverse and high-quality game portfolio to local players. We are confident that our engaging and innovative games will significantly enhance the gaming experience on Casino.ua’s platform, bringing new levels of excitement and entertainment.”

Tapping into another corner of the Ukrainian market will allow Amusnet to gain increased visibility for its slot content. Casino.ua players will benefit from the deal by being able to spin the reels on established Amusnet slots such as Golden Coins, Shining Crown, and 27 Eternal Hot. 

The slot studio’s recent releases will also be included in the Ukrainian tie-up, with slots like Caveman and Dinosaurs, Stoichkov #8, Orient Story Deluxe and Coin Gobbler becoming available on the Casino.ua platform. 

A representative from Casino.ua added: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Amusnet. It allows us to expand our gaming portfolio, offering our players even more innovative and exciting games.

“Thanks to Amusnet, we are broadening our range of games, providing new titles with thrilling features that will satisfy the tastes of even the most discerning players.”

Amusnet’s Head of Casino Division, Yordan Georgiev, recently provided CasinoBeats with an in-depth look at the studio’s strategic thinking behind their newest game releases and the trends influencing their development.

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The new regulations, which were signed off by Zelenskyy at the weekend, will not only outlaw servicemen from gambling but will also elevate the restrictions around gambling advertising in the region. 

Furthermore, the new framework will also see the mandatory introduction of loss limits for players in the region, as well as an increase in health support for those suffering from gambling addiction. 

Pavlo Petrychenk, a serviceman from Ukraine’s 56^th Brigade, stated: “Military personnel have been away from their families for the third year, in stressful conditions and without the possibility of full rest, so they are especially psychologically vulnerable.

“For many of them, gambling becomes the only way to cope with stress, and therefore quickly causes dopamine addiction and weakens their self-control.”

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The initiative will be open to businesses registered or actually operating in Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson and Chernihiv regions of Ukraine. Applications will go before a jury which will select 15 winners and distribute a cash fund of UAH 5m among them. Participants will be able to receive grants of UAH 200,000, 300,000 or 500,000.

In a statement confirming the move Ihor Zot’ko, owner of PIN-UP Ukraine, said: “Helping each other in difficult times should not only be a slogan, but also a personal position. Realising the complexity of doing business during the war, especially in the regions close to the fighting, we want to show our collective support and united strength in the desire to build an economically successful country,”.

Volodymyr Fedorin, founding editor of Forbes Ukraine, commented: “For the most vulnerable part of Ukrainian business: micro and small enterprises in the frontline regions, the lack of staff, logistical problems, power outages and the risk of Russian shelling are louder than anywhere else in Ukraine. 

“They are forced to manoeuvre through the difficulties to simply survive and continue their work. Without support, this is difficult and sometimes impossible. We have to lend a shoulder to the small businesses on the frontline so that after the victory they will be among the businesses that will help Ukraine recover and flourish.”

Details and conditions of the grant programme can be found HERE.

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The donation, which will be used to support the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement response, will help provide financial assistance, food, clothing, water, and psychosocial care. 

Julian Jarvis, CEO at Pragmatic Play, said: “The conflict in Ukraine is one that has deeply touched us at Pragmatic Play. We have valued colleagues and their families directly affected and we are keen to help them and the wider community in Ukraine in whatever way we can. 

“Our contribution will help ensure that the incredible work that the Red Cross undertakes can continue, and those caught up in the crisis will be able to receive much needed humanitarian support.” 

Over the seven week period since the war began, the Red Cross has reached one million people with life-saving aid in both Ukraine and across Europe. 

Volunteers from across the world are assisting civilians in the conflict, with Pragmatic Play’s contribution going towards the well-being and safety of families through the humanitarian organisation. 

Pragmatic Play is looking to ensure that its CSR programme caters not only to ongoing causes, but also current events where it feels it can make a positive difference to those in need. 

Edward Davies, Chairman at the Gibraltar Red Cross, added: “Our work is vital as we look to bring aid to those most in need, and through financial assistance from those such as Pragmatic Play, we can make a difference. 

“We are incredibly appreciative of this donation and would like to express our thanks to Pragmatic Play.”

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