Telegram Channel Fined for Advertising Offshore Casinos
The Ukrainian regulator PlayCity has imposed a ₴4.8 million fine (approx. $115,000) on the popular Telegram channel “Trukha Ukraine” (3.5 million subscribers) for repeatedly promoting unlicensed online casinos.
Why PlayCity Issued the Fine
Following a thorough investigation, the state agency identified multiple violations of gambling and advertising laws on the channel.
Key Violations:
- Persistent promotion of gambling content — numerous posts advertised illegal casinos on the channel.
- Lack of registration in the official media entities registry — a legal requirement for publishing authorized ads.
- Use of manipulative claims like “won ₴2,000 from just 100” or “subscriber walked away with 17,000” — potentially misleading for users.
- No responsible gambling warnings — failure to include messages about addiction risks breaches social responsibility standards.
- Advertising without agreements with licensed gambling operators — prohibited under current law.
Reactions from Both Sides
Representatives of the Telegram channel described the regulator’s actions as politically motivated. They noted that no court ruling has been issued yet.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation emphasized that this is just the beginning of a wider crackdown on illegal offshore gambling promotions in media.
Statement from the Ministry:
This is the first, but not the last case. The effort to clean up Telegram from illegal gambling ads is ongoing. The law must apply equally to everyone.
What This Means for the Media Landscape
PlayCity’s bold move sends a clear message to other content creators: promoting unlicensed casinos without meeting legal standards will result in serious consequences. The ₴4.8 million fine serves as a powerful warning.
Risks for Other Influencers:
- Past violations can still be investigated and penalized retroactively.
- Lack of registration or licensing agreements will lead to sanctions.
- Misleading or exaggerated advertising language increases liability.
Who Is PlayCity and What Do They Do?
PlayCity is a Ukrainian state agency tasked with monitoring, regulating, and enforcing compliance in the gambling and lottery sector. As part of their latest campaign, they’re focusing on Telegram as a key platform for illegal ads.
PlayCity’s Core Activities Include:
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Ad Monitoring | Reviewing Telegram channels and other media for legal violations |
| Issuing Notices | Alerting violators and collecting evidence |
| Imposing Fines | Applying sanctions based on investigative findings |
Conclusion
The fine against “Trukha Ukraine” marks just the beginning. For Telegram channel owners, the message is clear: gambling ads must follow legal guidelines, or face financial penalties. PlayCity has made it clear they’re ready to take action.