A Ukrainian Blogger Fined for Promoting Online Casino

In Ukraine, the regulator PlayCity, together with the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB), fined Instagram blogger Alyona Omovich more than ₴5 million (~$114.5K) for promoting the unlicensed online casino Parik24.

Promotion of an Unlicensed Casino

The regulator identified posts on the blogger’s page promoting gambling.

The case involves advertising an unlicensed online casino operating without permission in Ukraine.

Instagram Content

The posts were published on an Instagram account with a multi-million audience.

The promotion was aimed at attracting followers to participate in real-money gambling.

Violation of Advertising Rules

Ukrainian law prohibits bloggers from advertising gambling, especially when it involves illegal platforms.

Such promotion leads to audience engagement with a market that lacks regulation and oversight.

User Risks

These platforms offer no guarantees of payouts, no data protection, and no responsible gaming measures.

Users effectively interact with unregulated services.

Identification of the Individual

To establish the blogger’s identity, PlayCity contacted the Bureau of Economic Security.

As a result, Sole Proprietor Starykh Alyona Eduardovna was identified.

Role of the BEB

BEB analysts conducted investigative work to confirm the identity and the violations.

This enabled enforcement actions under current legislation.

Fine and Enforcement Measures

The total fine exceeded ₴5 million.

The penalty was imposed for promoting an unlicensed online casino and violating advertising rules.

Interagency Cooperation

The case highlights cooperation between PlayCity, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and the Bureau of Economic Security.

This joint effort targets illegal gambling promotion and limits access to such services.