PlayCity reports first-year results as Ukraine advances gambling oversight reforms

PlayCity has reported its first year of activity as Ukraine's gambling regulator, highlighting progress in licensing, enforcement and digital oversight as the country continues to reshape its regulated gaming market.

According to the agency, 250 licenses were issued during the period across gambling operators, B2B suppliers, gaming equipment and lottery operators. The regulator also reported more than UAH 14bn ($320m) in tax payments from gambling businesses, alongside roughly UAH 2bn in gambling licence fees. 

Licensed lottery operators contributed more than UAH 72m in licensing revenue and over UAH 74m in tax payments during the first quarter of 2026.

Enforcement was a central focus of the regulator's first year. PlayCity blocked more than 4100 illegal gambling websites, developed a dedicated tracking system for unauthorized platforms, and expanded cooperation with law enforcement agencies and other government bodies. The agency also reported blocking more than 700 social media accounts used to promote illegal gambling activities.

At the same time, PlayCity restored scheduled market inspections after a moratorium that had been in place since 2022 and introduced reporting requirements for lottery operators. The regulator said business inspections resulted in more than UAH 988m in fines for violations of gambling legislation.

The agency also continued development of the State Online Monitoring System, which entered test operation during the year. Eleven licensed operators have already been connected to the platform.

Gennady Novikov, Head of PlayCity, said: "This year was about creating infrastructure that the state actually did not have. We are building data-driven regulation, a model in which decisions are made based on data. For such a dynamic market, this is critical. The state should not catch up with problems, but see risks before they become a crisis."

Looking ahead, PlayCity said its priorities include submitting new gambling legislation to the Verkhovna Rada, updating advertising rules, launching the second phase of the State Online Monitoring System and implementing Ukraine's Strategy to Combat Gambling.