Pin-up Exec Supports Ukrainian Partner amid Russian Activity Accusations

It has now been nearly three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While the war rages on, Ukraine announced it suspects an iGaming operator of helping Russia. An announcement from the State Bureau of Investigation confirmed it suspects Pin-Up, one of the country’s leading online gambling operators, of ties with Russia.

“In particular, the ties of this online casino with representatives of the Russian Federation and Russian capital, as well as with entities subject to sanctions in Ukraine, have been documented,” the Bureau’s December 5 announcement reveals. Now, the CEO of Pin-Up Global, the parent company, defended its partner in Ukraine, rejecting the allegations.

Pin-up Global, Prepared to Support Ukrainian Partner amid Scrutiny

Marina Ilina, Pin-Up Global’s CEO, who was recently interviewed by NEXT.io, acknowledged the allegations against its Ukrainian partner company that operates under the Pin-Up brand. She pointed to the claims of its partner company operating in Russia, recognizing that such actions are “legally impossible” for a Ukrainian company. At the same time, Ilina pointed to Pin-Up’s leadership position prior to the start of the war.

Per Pin-Up Global’s CEO, the company had exited the Russian market back in 2022. At the same time, Ilina said that Pin-Up has discontinued any partnerships with the country and enforced a prohibition on the use of its trademarks and brand on Russian territory.

According to Ilina, Pin-Up collaborates with platforms that hold European certifications. She reiterated that the company adheres to the established regulations and its “communications are entirely transparent with all institutions.” Consequently, Ilina added that Pin-Up is prepared to support its partner in Ukraine and put an end to such manipulation attempts.

“In light of this, we will provide full legal support to our Ukrainian partner to put an end to these manipulations, as we are confident in the strength of our legal position.“

Marina Ilina, CEO at Pin-Up Global

iGaming Operators Face Regulatory Scrutiny

Pin-Up Global’s executive also pointed to an ongoing “trend” that sees gambling operators face regulatory scrutiny in Ukraine. She said that such regulatory hurdles continue to affect different companies operating in the market, despite it being legal for nearly five years.

According to Ilina, the outcome of the investigation against the company’s partner in Ukraine “will serve as a clear signal of how safe it is for international iGaming brands to operate in Ukraine and whether the country is truly ready to develop this segment of the economy transparently.”

Back in 2009, the Ukraine banned gambling. The ban was enforced for more than a decade before it was lifted in 2020. While the market had a few years to mature, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia resulted in additional restrictions. Back in May, Ukraine issued a ban on gambling advertising, amid growing concerns about the impact of the activity. The action came after the country prohibited soldiers from engaging in gambling activities this spring.