Gambling ban in effect

A temporary ban on gambling in Ukraine came into effect last week.

The ban was vetoed earlier in the month by President Victor Yushhenko but overridden by in parliament by supporters of Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and former President Victor Yanukovich.

Yulia Tymoshenko and her supporters believe the ban is necessary to protect families struggling to survive in a country hard hit by the economic turmoil.

The ban is likely to last until new legislation creating gambling zones is introduced. Until then, any businesses offering gambling will have their equipment confiscated and be subject to large fines.