PlayCity reports results of gambling market reform
In Ukraine, regulator PlayCity has summarized the first year of reform in the gambling and lottery market.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine published the reform results, with the ministry overseeing coordination and PlayCity responsible for implementation. The reform began after the liquidation of KRAIL, which had previously overseen the market but effectively operated with manual licensing decisions.
Regulatory functions were transferred to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, while the state agency PlayCity was launched to enforce control and implement new rules.
Budget revenues and licensing
According to 2025 results, the following figures were recorded:
- ₴17 billion — tax revenue from gambling;
- ₴1.7 billion — licensing fees from gambling operators;
- ₴72 million — licensing fees from lottery operators.
Before the relaunch of the lottery segment, the state had not received licensing payments from this sector for over 12 years.
Fight against the illegal market
PlayCity strengthened enforcement against illegal operators and gambling advertising.
- ₴80 million — fines issued for illegal advertising;
- 3,500+ illegal websites — blocked;
- 500+ social media accounts — removed;
- cooperation established with Meta, TikTok, Viber, and Google.
An additional loophole that allowed slot machines to be disguised as lotteries and avoid licensing fees has been closed.
Player protection and new restrictions
The reform introduced several player protection measures:
- financial and time limits on gambling activity;
- a ban on bonuses, free spins, cashback, and loss-based incentives;
- a mechanism restricting military personnel from participating in gambling.
These requirements are mandatory for operators. Any attempt to bypass them results in license revocation.
Digital monitoring and licensing
The first phase of the State Online Monitoring System (DSOM) has been launched. The system is currently operating in test mode, with the first operator already connected and others in the process of integration.
PlayCity is also preparing to launch digital licensing, where decisions will be made automatically based on predefined criteria without human involvement.
Plans for 2026
Legislative updates have been prepared covering:
- the Tax Code;
- the law on gambling;
- the law on lotteries.
These bills are scheduled for consideration by the Verkhovna Rada in 2026. At the same time, the development of control systems and the rollout of digital tools for the market continue.