Ukraine Gambling Regulator Launches Digital Platform to Report Illegal Gambling Ads

PlayCity has introduced a new online system that lets citizens quickly report illegal gambling advertisements. The tool, now available on the regulator’s official website, is designed to cut out paperwork and make the complaint process simple.

Read more Rangers’ AHL affiliate shakes up coaching staff, fire head coach

Users can choose the type of media where the ad appeared, whether on social networks, websites, television, radio, outdoor spaces, or other channels, and then upload links, screenshots, or videos through a short form.

Once submitted, the materials are stored automatically, and complainants receive email updates as the case moves forward. Special attention has been given to content that disappears quickly, such as social media stories. If a link to a story is included, the system downloads it immediately so PlayCity staff can review it even after it vanishes online.

“We continue to digitalize processes in the field of gambling regulation and make interaction with PlayCity even more convenient,” the regulator stated in its press release announcing the platform last week. 

Potential fines up to $120k for violators

Complaints filed through the new system are first reviewed by PlayCity to confirm if the ads break the law. When violations are found, the regulator can order social media offices to block the content, and pages that repeatedly spread such ads risk being shut down.

Read more Damien Hardwick criticises AFL Tribunal, says Gold Coast player should have been suspended

Law enforcement can also be called on to trace responsible parties in cases where the regulator can’t identify them.

PlayCity is also authorized to issue penalties for illegal gambling advertising violators, which is currently set at ₴5,188,200 ($120,000). PlayCity is also working directly with major platforms such as Meta, Google, TikTok, Twitch, Viber, and YouTube. Last month, it announced a partnership with YouTube to block and limit the reach of illegal gambling ads. 

The agency confirmed at the time that one channel with more than 3,000 subscribers was taken down after posting gambling ads, and another video promoting an illegal casino was removed from a channel with over 133,000 subscribers.

PlayCity was launched in June 2025 to replace the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), which had been dissolved the year before over delays in licensing and outdated procedures. In the eleven months since, the new regulator has issued nearly ₴80 million ($1.8 million) in fines for illegal gambling and moved the entire licensing process online through Diia.

Read more S&P Improves Rating of Las Vegas Sands and Sands China Due to Good Financial Management