An illegal gambling establishment under the guise of a "sports poker club" was arrested in the Usnobiansky district of Kharkiv. Visitors exchanged cash for chips, placed bets and bought the chips back. Access was for verified customers only. The factory operated without licenses or taxes.
The organizer is a resident of Kharkiv, who rented space and purchased equipment in July 2024. Two partners (a man and a woman) set up the hall, installed video surveillance and acted as managers: they greeted the guests, exchanged money, played and paid winnings.
In early November 2024, law enforcement officers searched and seized: 8 poker tables, almost 5,000 chips, 13 decks of cards, cash and other items.
The prosecutor's office in the Kharkiv region proved guilt under Part 3 of Art. 28 and part 2 of art. 203-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (organization of illegal gambling by an organized group). All three admitted to the offense and repented, but did not agree with the qualifications.
Each was fined 680 thousand UAH and banned from organizing gambling for 3 years. Equipment, machinery and cash were confiscated from the state. The judgment does not enter into force; The convicted filed an appeal.