Regulation of the Ukrainian Gambling Sphere: 2026 Trends

Role of DSOM

The system was created to monitor and log all critical activities across entertainment projects nationwide.

The centralised tracking platform gathers data on:

• refunds and cancelled transactions;
• bet volumes and frequency;
• payouts, and more.

The authority states that DSOM can handle up to 10,000 requests per second, providing each with a unique ID. Importantly, the solution does not store personal information — it solely processes aggregate statistics.

One of the primary objectives of the registry is to compile comprehensive, current data on the market, including its weak points, risks, and areas with potential for growth. The State Tax Service will have access to these records. Expanding responsibilities will enable more precise calculation of GGR from gambling activities and the application of an appropriate fiscal rate.

A notable technical feature of the system is its capacity to maintain data integrity. All the logs are organised across 2 operational interfaces: regulatory authorities will use an internal management version, while business owners can access the external one, which requires obtaining a Ukrainian certificate.

Efforts to Address the Grey Market

Alongside the rollout of DSOM, PlayCity has undertaken several decisive actions against illicit companies and individuals. These measures are designed to facilitate the development of registered gambling portals and boost their competitiveness.

So far, the agency has announced:

• fines totalling UAH 946 million for unlicensed brands;
• the suspension of 42 social media pages for illegal gambling promotion;
• the identification of approximately 300 unapproved platforms, which have been reported to NCEC;
• a UAH 5.2 million penalty imposed on FC Shakhtar for advertisements featuring individuals under 21.

Ukrainian Gambling Sphere: Prospects and Trends

The national industry was legalised in 2020. At first, the KRAIL body managed all regulatory tasks, but it was dissolved in April 2024.

PlayCity now functions as a semi-autonomous government entity under Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation, demonstrating its high effectiveness.

In April 2026, the agency granted 136 new certificates:

• 1 licence for an online casino — UAH 33 million;
• 2 permits for B2B providers — UAH 1 million;
• 133 certificates for gaming equipment — UAH 19 million.

The authority is actively improving market oversight and working to align operations with international standards. Additionally, the regulator has launched a comprehensive study on gambling’s impact on the population, with a full report due by August 2026.