The past year was a period of high turbulence for the holders of the Ukrainian gambling licence. Initially, the industry found itself at the centre of a high-profile scandal surrounding the country’s previous gaming authority (UGLC). The arrest of Ivan Rudyi, the Commission’s head, and the court verdicts in the Pin-Up case also increased the heat.
A significant outcome of 2025 was the emergence of a new regulatory body, PlayCity. Compliance and oversight functions were consolidated within the agency, while the Ministry of Digital Transformation (MDT) assumed responsibility for its technological foundation. As a result, the past year formed the key areas that would shape the sphere’s development in 2026.
Casino Market sheds light on the situation in Ukraine’s gaming field and the latest changes affecting operators. Our experts offer consultations on launching a profitable, fully compliant project.
State Online Monitoring System: Next Regulatory Step
After a brief period of relative stability, the local industry has once again found itself in legal uncertainty. These conditions were prompted by the appointment of Mykhailo Fedorov, the Minister of Digital Transformation, as the country’s First Deputy Prime Minister. His successor at the previous position remains unknown.
Despite the staff changes, the processes initiated are continuing. Gennady Novikov, PlayCity’s head, confirmed that the country’s online monitoring system has completed the final stage of testing and is ready for the operational start.
The platform’s official launch could take place within the first months of 2026. After that, licensed brands will have half a year to connect their portals to the centralised tracking hub.
New Rules for the Ukrainian Lottery Segment
The application period for niche permits closed on December 29th, 2025. All 3 companies already working in the sector submitted their documents within the established deadlines.
Among these enterprises are:
- the UNL;
- Patriot;
- MSL.
Currently, the state limits the market to 3 raffle certifications nationwide. Nevertheless, this restriction may be lifted. Natalia Denikeieva, the MDT’s Deputy Minister for Digital Economy Development, announced these plans. An update to the relevant law, which has not been revised for over a decade, is now under discussion.
Additional changes will also affect the technical aspects of operations. Authorities are considering introducing mandatory QR codes for every printed and online ticket. This alteration will allow buyers to independently verify the legality of draws and the origin of the products.
Self-Restriction Register and Licence Digitalisation
Let us explore central events and notions in these fields:
- Coming upgrades. In early January, Mr Novikov announced updates to the system allowing people to ban themselves from gambling. According to him, the solution would have a more user-friendly interface and enhanced personal data protection. The registry now lists about 12,000 individuals. If the upgrade receives public support, the number of self-restriction requests could increase.
- Auxiliary assistance. Information emerged earlier this year about the possibility of submitting permit applications through the state online service Diia. Nevertheless, this mechanism will operate in a limited format and only touch certain business areas.
- Technical amendments. Due to the planned changes to the procedure, documents will be uploaded directly to Diia, eliminating the need to send paper packages. At the same time, decisions to issue licences or refuse to grant them will continue to be made by PlayCity’s staff without automated review.
Gambling Marketing: Tightening Requirements
Control over the promotion of gaming products has significantly increased. Measures taken against influencer advertising have already had an effect: public figures have become more cautious and less willing to cooperate with niche companies.
This approach is expected to only become more stringent throughout 2026. Under such conditions, suppliers and platform owners will have to reconsider their marketing strategies and seek alternative channels for brand popularisation.
Technological Vector of the Industry’s Development
New requirements and additional obligations, as well as the reduction of traditional promotion channels, are pushing enterprises to shift the main focus. Thus, corporations now pay more attention to project operational performance and service levels.
Against this backdrop, analysts expect increased interest in B2B permits. This situation could intensify competition between niche studios and expand the range of available technological solutions in the market.
The Main Things About Ukraine’s Gambling in 2026
The country is successfully following the lead of major European regulators. The optimisation of the state supervisory system makes the jurisdiction’s offers more transparent, sustainable, and secure.
In 2026, the following rules and requirements will change operators’ approach to their work in the national industry:
- a simplified licensing procedure;
- expanded and advanced self-exclusion program tools;
- strengthened financial oversight thanks to the monitoring platform launch;
- new restrictions on the promotion of gambling products in partnership with influencers.
For more information on the nuances of debuting in different markets, feel free to contact us. We monitor trends and offer turnkey solutions to help clients quickly open projects across any gaming vertical.
Have questions or want to order services?
Contact our consultants:
- e-mail: manager@casino-market.com
- feedback form.
Check the information used to contact us carefully. It is necessary for your safety.
Fraudsters can use contacts that look like ours to scam customers. Therefore, we ask you to enter only the addresses that are indicated on our official website.
Be careful! Our team is not responsible for the activities of persons using similar contact details.
