The Ukrainian regulator PlayCity, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, has reported impressive results from its first year of operation. Established in April 2025, PlayCity replaced the dissolved Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL). Here are the key highlights:
Licensing and Revenue:
• $318 million (14 billion UAH) — tax revenues from operators
• 11 licenses issued to operators
• $12.9 million (569 million UAH) — licensing fees contributed to the state budget
• Digital licensing for the gambling industry launched through the Diia portal
Oversight and Control:
• 100% of operator reporting restored
• $22.4 million (988 million UAH) — fines imposed on organizers for legal violations
• 7 planned and 4 unplanned inspections conducted in 2026 after a moratorium since 2022
• The State Online Monitoring System (DOSM) has been launched in a test mode, with 11 operators connected
Combating the Illegal Market and Advertising:
• 4,100 illegal gambling websites blocked
• Block requests submitted for 700 social media pages for illegal advertising
• $1.8 million (80 million UAH) — fines for violations of advertising legislation
• Website blocking time reduced to one day
• Cooperation established with Meta, TikTok, Viber, YouTube, Twitch, and Google
Responsible Gaming:
• 3,000 applications for access restrictions to gambling in 2026
• New Register of Individuals with Gambling Addiction launched
• Financial and time limits on gambling introduced
• Mechanism developed to restrict military personnel from participating in gambling
In its first year after the regulator's change, PlayCity focused on digital market control, particularly on blocking illegal sites, monitoring operators through DOSM, and protecting players from gambling addiction.