Ukrainian court overturns $106,800 gambling ad fine against influencer

A Ukrainian court has annulled a UAH 4.8m fine imposed on influencer Anna Alkhim for supposed illegal gambling advertising. The regulator imposed the fine back in 2025.

The Dnipropetrovsk District Administrative Court ruled in favour of Alkhim, declaring PlayCity's decision unlawful. However, the regulator can file an appeal by a specific legal deadline.

It is worth noting that Alkhim is not the only influencer to come to PlayCity's attention regarding gambling advertising. Similar financial penalties have been imposed on several others, including Simbochka and Rusalochka XL.

Last month, another influencer and television personality, Tatyana Yusupova, known for her participation in the reality show Supermom, lost her legal appeal against a UAH 4.8m fine for promoting online gambling without authorisation.

Ukraine has recently stepped up its enforcement efforts, particularly in actions concerning unlawful advertising.

In its first year of operation, PlayCity blocked more than 700 social media accounts used to promote illegal gambling.

In April, the regulator requested the blocking of 42 social media pages containing illegal gambling advertising. In addition, FC Shakhtar was fined nearly UAH 5.2m for breaches of gambling advertising rules.

To encourage wider reporting of illegal advertising, PlayCity launched an online complaints tool. Reported content is reviewed by the regulator, with confirmed violations being forwarded to platforms such as Meta, Google and TikTok for removal.

In a separate development from the country, last week, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted a resolution that prohibits military personnel from engaging in gambling.

Authorities are also preparing a long-term strategy running to 2035 aimed at reducing harm and strengthening oversight of the sector. Particular attention will be given to the illegal gambling market.