In 2025, PlayCity, Ukraine’s relatively new gaming regulator, fully reinstated the licensing process for gambling and lottery operators. The suspensions in the casino and sportsbook segments were due to a change in the supervisory authority. Meanwhile, the raffle sector did not provide certification funds for about 12 years.
Key Figures, Shadow Operations, and Player Protection
By the end of 2025, the local budget increased due to the following contributions:
- UAH 1.7 billion — licensing levies from gambling businesses;
- UAH 72 million — permit fees from lotteries;
- UAH 17 billion — taxes.
To combat illicit brands, the government agency has launched several key campaigns and standalone measures. These efforts have triggered noticeable improvements in the country’s market.
During the year after reform implementation, the regulator managed to:
- blocked 3,500+ websites of illegal operators;
- imposed fines on 16 bloggers and media outlets;
- terminated 500+ accounts that violated promotion rules.
To improve the effectiveness of combating the shadow economy, PlayCity continues to expand its partnership with the ESBU and representatives of Google, Meta, TikTok, and Viber.
Along with strengthening market monitoring, the range of user protection tools has been expanded with:
- betting limits;
- a ban on bonus programs;
- mandatory self-exclusion tools on gaming websites;
- simplified access to support programs for vulnerable player groups;
- additional analysis mechanisms for the early detection of abnormal behavioural patterns.
Additionally, the authority is developing a separate service to restrict gambling for military personnel. The relevant initiative has recently undergone the public discussion stage.
PlayCity’s Plans for the Coming Months and Beyond
The government agency’s experts believe that launching the State Online Monitoring System was one of the year’s most significant achievements. The centralised registry continues to expand with new connection applications from local operators.
The platform aims to ensure transparency and security across the industry, as well as to automate the calculation of tax liabilities and GGR without requiring additional reporting. Also, an autonomous anti-corruption group has been created to strengthen market oversight.
PlayCity’s plans include further improvements to the legislative framework spanning betting and casino licensing in Ukraine. Specifically, the local Ministry of Digital Transformation has developed a package of amendments.
The following documents are set to be altered:
- Tax Code;
- Gambling Law;
- State Lotteries Law.
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