Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Affairs recently published new rules for governing the remote gambling sector. The updated legislation enables PlayCity to start issuing new gambling licenses and confirm existing ones. Lawmakers anticipate that this move will generate roughly ₴50 million (€1.02 million) in licensing fees.
Quick Overview of Ukraine’s Updated Gambling Laws
- The updated terms dictate that operators must have an impeccable reputation, no ties to aggressor states, and ensure compliance with existing responsible gambling protocols.
- Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Affairs confirmed that the new rules will enable PlayCity to issue new gambling licences and validate existing permits. Lawmakers anticipate that this will generate roughly ₴50 million (€1.02 million) in the future.
- Existing licence holders must comply with the guidelines within 2 months. Authorities have confirmed that the additional revenue will be utilised toward bolstering Ukraine’s defence programs.
Ukrainian Government Updates Gambling Licensing Criteria
PlayCity, Ukraine’s new gambling regulator, replaces the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (CRGL), which was dissolved on April 1, 2025, due to complaints of gross negligence, corruption charges, and failure to curb the proliferation of offshore gambling sites.
According to PlayCity’s Telegram post from September 12, 2025, Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Affairs has introduced new gambling licensing regulations. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a resolution that enables PlayCity to issue new gambling licences and confirm existing permits.
The updated regulation is projected to generate ₴50 million (€1.02 million) in licensing fees in the near future. Lawmakers plan to channel the additional funds to bolster the country’s defence infrastructure, especially by purchasing drones in light of the current war with Russia.
An excerpt from PlayCity’s Telegram post reads:
“The new regulation will generate almost ₴50 million in additional revenue to the state budget from licence fees in the near future. The state will direct additional budget revenues to strengthen defence capabilities — in particular, to purchase drones for the Defence Forces.”
PlayCity Prepares to Enforce Ukraine’s Remote Gambling Regulations
Ukraine’s updated gambling regulations include three key provisions that all licensees must follow: applicants must have a solid reputation, have no ties to any aggressor state, and must implement all necessary responsible gambling mechanisms. These regulations are accompanied by exhaustive documentation required for operating in Ukraine.
The new licensing conditions are stricter than before, and they apply to new applicants as well as existing licensees. To continue operating in Ukraine, existing licence holders have a 2-month window to comply with the new rules. Failure to comply could result in severe consequences, including sanctions in the form of fines or licence suspension.
Ever since the Ukraine-Russia war began, lawmakers in Ukraine have taken proactive measures to identify and block illegal casinos targeting Ukrainian citizens. Serious efforts were deemed necessary, as several online casinos with links to Russia were found to be active in Ukraine.
The updated gambling regulations are part of the government’s efforts to elevate Ukraine’s remote gambling industry to global standards. The latest announcement follows closely after PlayCity’s announcement of a new Online Monitoring System to help consumers identify legal casinos in the country.