The Ukrainian regulator PlayCity has launched an online tool for submitting complaints about illegal gambling advertising. Players are invited to complete a short form, add a link to the advertisement and attach screenshots or videos.
Particular attention is given to content with limited availability such as social media stories. If a link to a story is provided, the system automatically saves the content so that PlayCity specialists can review it even after it has disappeared online.
If the reported advertisement is confirmed to be illegal, the information is forwarded to social media platforms for removal and blocking. Accounts that distribute such advertising may also be blocked, particularly if the same account repeatedly publishes similar content.
If the responsible party cannot be identified through state registers, the regulator involves law enforcement authorities to assist with identification.
Once offenders have been identified, the regulator issues fines for illegal advertising, up to UAH 5.18m.
To ensure a faster response, the regulator also works with major digital platforms including Meta, Google, TikTok, YouTube, Viber and Twitch. This cooperation helps remove illegal content faster and limits its spread.
The launch of the online tool is intended to simplify interaction with the regulator.
In 2025, the regulator, in cooperation with law enforcement, successfully blocked 3,500 illegal sites and suspended 500 social media accounts linked to illegal gambling. Furthermore, the regulator fined 16 influencers.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation has recently announced the launch of a national study on the impact of gambling on society. Initial results are expected in May, with the full report due in August 2026.
A major enforcement operation has recently exposed a network in Ukraine that generated an estimated UAH 5bn in turnover
