Ukrainian regulator PlayCity has fined a Telegram channel administrator UAH 5.2m for advertising online casinos.
The breach was identified by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Office in Khmelnytskyi region. Authorities stated that illegal casino advertisements were regularly posted on the channel between April and September 2025.
The SBU identified the administrator and transferred the relevant evidence to PlayCity, which subsequently launched administrative proceedings and confirmed the case as a violation of Ukraine’s Law on Advertising.
Together with law enforcement authorities, PlayCity will continue to systematically identify such violations and apply the sanctions provided by law.
This forms part of a broader worldwide trend of authorities cracking down on individuals involved in promoting illegal online gambling content.
Last month, PlayCity partnered with Kick to address illegal gambling advertising. The regulator also collaborates with other major digital platforms, including Meta, Google, TikTok, YouTube, Viber and Twitch. This cooperation enables faster removal of illegal content and helps limit its spread.
Additionally, PlayCity’s dedicated online tool enables citizens to report illegal gambling advertisements.
During its first year of operation after replacing the previous regulator, PlayCity reported that it had blocked more than 4,100 illegal gambling websites and over 700 social media accounts linked to unlawful gambling advertising.
Meanwhile, 17 Ukrainian operators have already joined the State Online Monitoring System (SOMS) for gambling, with preparations underway for a tender to develop the system’s second stage.
Following a recent decision by the Cabinet of Ministers, PlayCity has been placed under the direct supervision of the Cabinet. Previously, the regulator operated under the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
Ukrainian authorities are developing a long-term strategy extending to 2035 aimed at reducing gambling-related harm and strengthening regulatory oversight
