Ukraine’s gambling regulator, PlayCity, has introduced a new online complaints system designed to expedite public reporting of illegal gambling advertising, the agency announced on Thursday.
The online tool will allow users to report suspected breaches across various channels. This includes channels such as social media platforms, websites, television, radio, outdoor advertising and other public locations.
PlayCity became the designated state agency responsible for regulating gambling and lotteries following a transfer of policy functions to the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Its predecessor, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), was dissolved in April 2024. This followed the regulator’s ongoing failure to issue gambling licences in a timely manner.
How does the tool work?
Complainants are required to specify the platform type. They must also provide a direct link to the advertisement, and upload supporting evidence such as screenshots or videos.
Notably, the system automatically archives submitted content and is engineered to capture and download transient advertising material, such as social media “stories”, at the time of submission.
This will enable regulators to review content even after it has been removed or has expired.
Upon submission, complaints are initially screened by PlayCity’s staff to determine whether the reported material violates Ukraine’s regulations on gambling advertising.
In cases where advertisements are found to be illegal, the regulator will undertake the following actions:
- Request removal of content from major digital platforms, including Meta, Google, TikTok, YouTube, Viber and Twitch.
- Block social media pages that repeatedly distribute unlawful gambling advertising.
- Impose fines on identified responsible parties or refer unresolved cases to law enforcement agencies when identities cannot be confirmed from official state registers.
The current statutory administrative fine for illegal gambling advertising in 2026 is set at UAH5,188,200 ($118,069).
Ukraine’s ongoing enforcement
Stricter enforcement on illegal gambling advertising was introduced as part of Law No.9526d, the same bill that dissolved KRAIL.
The launch of the online complaints tool is part of PlayCity’s ongoing digitalisation efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight in Ukraine’s gambling sector. Since its establishment 11 months ago, the regulator reported having levied almost UAH80 million in fines related to illegal gambling advertising. Additionally, over 500 social media pages distributing prohibited content have been blocked.
These enforcement figures reflect a broader tightening of Ukraine’s regulatory environment following the legalisation of gambling in 2020.
PlayCity has recently begun managing an automated mechanism that will prevent military personnel from accessing online gambling services. Introduced by Ukraine’s Ministries of Digital Transformation and Defence in March, the system aims to reduce problem gambling among military personnel during the ongoing martial law period.
The complaints form is now active and available to all Ukrainian citizens via the PlayCity website. It enables the public to actively contribute to the monitoring and regulation of illegal gambling advertising.
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
