It’s been a year since Work.ua refused to cooperate with brands that didn’t exit Russia, because their taxes fund the missiles that strike us daily and kill our children. And those who aren’t killed — are terrorized, traumatized, and left with psychological scars that may never heal. But today is not about them. It’s about another cancer that has infiltrated our society during the war — a danger from within, preying on the most vulnerable.

Why the most vulnerable? Because constant stress robs people of their cognitive abilities. And into that vacuum steps: gambling, casinos, and betting.

Why did we ban gambling?

Gambling, betting, and online casinos are like drugs. And they’re twice as dangerous for people in fragile mental states — the kind of states that are most common in a country at war, and especially on the front lines.

Now imagine soldierʼs feeling who started playing and lost his 100 000 UAH salary — or even just a portion of it — and now has nothing to send home to his wife and kids. Or a woman, waiting for her husband, who decided to play «just a little» and lost all the money he sent for her and their child. Who would want to be associated with these stories during wartime?

Share the stories you know

Was Work.ua right in choosing not to help these businesses grow? Let’s discuss it together. We’re always open to hearing other perspectives. But what’s even more important are the stories — stories of people who’ve lost their families, jobs, sleep, property, or lives because of gambling. We know some of you have such stories. Please share them in the comments.

Why only now?

We’re no better than anyone else. We’re not perfect. We had our doubts too: «Can we really do this?», «Should we do this?», «Is it the place of business to take such a stand?», etc. But better today than tomorrow. Or the day after. Or never.

As for when and how you act — that’s your decision. You may find reasons to postpone. Or not.

Can reputable businesses collaborate with this industry?

Should any self-respecting company — from banks to media platforms — consider partnership with this kind of business honorable? Is it okay to be friend the one who kills your neighbor’s children, just because your own are still alive? Is it okay to shake hands with putin? Do you still shop at Auchan and Metro, even though their brands are still present in Russia and their taxes help fund the war? Do you still buy products from P&G or Nestlé — and do you taste a trace of blood in their recipes?

There are many questions. And each of you will answer them in your own way. But should reputable brands be cooperating with the gambling industry? Especially now, during wartime?

Some more thoughts out loud

Whether these businesses should legally exist — and be allowed, especially on the front lines — is not for us to decide. But we absolutely can decide who to support and who not to. Whom to build partnerships and collaborations with — and whom to reject. Whom to advertise — and whom to blacklist. And how to treat those for whom «money doesn’t smell».

As an aside, I’m asking Valeriy Reshetnyak, CEO robota.ua.

What do you think, Valeriy — is this the right time to help such companies grow? And while we’re at it — what’s your current position on brands that didn’t leave the Russian market? Do their funds «smell»? Can you hear the tears and cries of children behind those partnerships? Do those companies’ payments help you hit your annual KPIs? Have you asked your team how they feel working under such deals?

It’s time for each of us — every company and every individual — to decide for themselves how to act.

What’s your opinion? Should betting businesses operate on the front line during wartime? Should premium brands cooperate or partner with the gambling and online casino industry in Ukraine today?

Better now than never

Yes, we’ve made our decision — today. We’ve banned all gambling, betting, and online casino businesses from Work.ua. And while we were at it, we banned SOCAR, too — a brand that has disgraced itself. None of them will be on Work.ua again.

And what about you? Will you continue working with them?

Respectfully, Artur Mikhno, Founder & CEO Work.ua.