Bills on legalizing casinos and amber mining presented to the Rada by Oct. 1

Bills on legalizing casinos and amber mining presented to the Rada by Oct. 1, passed by Dec. 1. Concentrated in northwest Ukraine, amber mining makes an estimated $500 million a year, but generates no taxes and creates moonscapes. Casino gambling was illegalized in Ukraine in 2009. Under the guise of lotteries, illegal gambling halls turn over billions of dollars annually.