Gambling Business as a Factor in the Development of the Tourism Industry in Ukraine: Current State and Prospects

The article explores the current state, challenges, and prospects for the development of the gambling business as a key factor in shaping and stimulating gambling tourism in Ukraine. The aim of the research is to identify the gambling business as the foundation for the development of gambling tourism in Ukraine. The authors analyze the characteristics of the functioning of the gambling industry in both global and regional contexts, identifying the main socioeconomic and technological factors influencing the increasing popularity of gambling as a form of leisure. It is found that gambling tourism is one of the most dynamic sectors of international tourism, combining elements of entertainment, economic benefit, and tourist appeal. The research findings indicate that there is potential for the development of gambling tourism in Ukraine, provided there is a consistent government policy, investment attraction, positive image formation, and the creation of appropriate infrastructure. Relevant industry issues have been identified – from legalization to social risks and the lack of regional positioning. The integration of the gambling business into the structure of Ukraine’s tourist infrastructure will create new prospects for the development of multifunctional tourism complexes that will combine hotel facilities, gaming establishments, and other forms of entertainment. Such an approach is capable of stimulating the growth of investment attractiveness in the tourism sector, attracting foreign capital, activating the economic dynamics of the regions, and fostering the creation of new jobs. The development of the gambling industry will also positively affect the expansion of the range of tourist services – from the hotel and restaurant business to retail and service, enhancing the competitiveness of the Ukrainian tourism product in the international market.