The Ukrainian gambling regulator, PlayCity, recently launched a new tool to identify and block illegal online gambling platforms. This is part of the government’s broader effort to regulate gambling operations within the nation and prevent offshore operators from targeting Ukrainian consumers. The regulator also plans to reshape the country’s lottery licensing framework, aiming to introduce government oversight and boost local economies.
PlayCity Launches Illegal Gambling Tracking Tool and Plans to Relaunch Lottery Licences: Key Insights
- PlayCity’s Online Monitoring System automatically identifies and blocks gambling websites targeting Ukrainian players without a valid local licence. The tool also tracks mirror domains that casinos often use to bypass restrictions.
- The tool maintains a database that players can access to verify the authenticity of an online casino and file a complaint against operators. The list is updated weekly with new names being added regularly.
- According to the draft proposal, lottery licensing could generate UAH 10 billion (approximately €207 million) annually. The regulator notes that the proceeds could be used to bolster the country’s defence program.
PlayCity’s Effort to Bolster Online Gambling Regulations in Ukraine
Ukraine’s national agency for lottery and gambling regulation, PlayCity, has completed its plans to launch an online tool to identify and block unlicensed casinos targeting consumers within the nation. The Online Monitoring System is available to the public for verifying the legality of online casinos and filing complaints against operators.
According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation’s Telegram post on Sunday, August 31, 2025:
The government has adopted a resolution on state registers that will become part of the future system. The integration of registers will allow for real-time verification of information about gambling operators and will ensure that data is up-to-date.
The system will keep an updated list of licensed casinos and sports betting operators. It will help ensure transparency in the market by showing data on accepted and returned bets along with winnings. Viewers will have direct access to data on market volumes and the revenue generated by the government in taxes.
This is Ukraine’s first significant step in regulating the online gambling market since the establishment of PlayCity earlier in April 2025. The erstwhile Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (CRGL) was dissolved on April 1 for its failure to effectively discharge its duties in regulating the industry.
Government Plans to Relaunch Ukraine’s Licensed Lottery Market
Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation has prepared a draft resolution addressing key issues with the existing licensing framework, which has not been updated in over a decade. Lawmakers propose restarting the lottery market, introducing measures for greater transparency, and establishing new rules for lottery operators.
According to the Ministry’s official post on Telegram, the draft resolution aims to generate greater tax revenue for the state, which could be used to support Ukraine’s armed forces and bolster its defence network, and establish a transparent and controlled market. If approved, the new law would significantly increase Ukraine’s tax revenue.
According to Ministry estimates, the government can generate UAH 10 billion (approximately €207 million) annually from the regulated casino and gambling market. The draft law outlines the procedures for applying for a gambling licence, paying licensing fees, conducting lottery operations, and licensing conditions.
Experts familiar with the subject estimate that around 50 unlicensed operators are active within Ukrainian borders. Meanwhile, PlayCity has stepped up efforts to rein in illicit operators. The gambling watchdog also introduced a self-exclusion register, allowing players to block access to online gambling platforms.