PlayCity Unveils Key Shifts in Ukraine’s Gambling Sector: Year After Reform

Key Figures, Illegal Operations, and User Protection

By the end of 2025, the state treasury saw notable growth due to several sources:

• UAH 1.7 billion — licensing fees paid by gambling brands;
• UAH 72 million — certification fees from lotteries;
• UAH 17 billion — taxes.

To address the issue of shadow operators, the regulator has initiated several major campaigns and implemented standalone measures that have led to visible improvements in the local market.

In the year following the enactment of the reforms, the authority:

• fined 16 bloggers and media outlets;
• banned more than 3,500 illicit portals;
• shut down over 500 accounts that violated promotion regulations.

To further strengthen efforts against the grey sector, PlayCity continues to expand its cooperation with the ESBU and representatives of global digital platforms such as Meta, Google, TikTok, and Viber.

In addition to enhancing market oversight, the player protection toolkit now includes:

• wagering limits;
• a prohibition on bonus programmes;
• obligatory self-exclusion options on entertainment portals;
• easier access to support services for at-risk user categories;
• new analysis tools for the early identification of unusual behavioural patterns.

Furthermore, the regulatory body is working on a dedicated service to restrict gambling for military personnel. This project has recently completed the public discussion phase.

PlayCity’s Long-Term Plans

PlayCity’s specialists consider the rollout of the State Online Monitoring System one of the year’s most important accomplishments. The platform is continuously growing as more local operators submit connection requests.

The centralised registry is designed to guarantee transparency and security within the sphere, while also automating the calculation of tax liabilities and GGR, eliminating the need for additional reporting. To reinforce market supervision, an independent anti-corruption group has also been established.

The regulatory authority plans further improvements to the legislative framework governing betting and casino licensing in the country.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation has prepared a set of amendments that will affect:

• State Lotteries Law;
• Gambling Law;
• Tax Code.