Ukraine’s gambling regulator PlayCity has submitted 6,668 illegal gambling websites for blocking since the start of 2026. This represents a twofold increase compared with the total number submitted in 2025.
The regulator said improved monitoring systems and faster cooperation between state authorities have helped identify illegal operators more effectively and speed up the process of restricting access to unauthorised websites.
PlayCity also highlighted that the time required to block illegal gambling websites has been reduced to one day after the regulator notifies the National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications (NCEC).
The regulator is continuing to improve the blocking process through a cross-sector working group, which includes representatives from the National Security and Defence Council, the National Bank of Ukraine, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, NCEC, the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre.
The group aims to establish a system that would allow internet service providers to block illegal gambling websites within minutes of their detection.
Last week, PlayCity Head Gennady Novikov submitted his resignation, saying he was leaving the role confident that the regulator had built a strong foundation for the future.
Announcing his decision on social media, Novikov said: "I'm leaving my position with the feeling that we've laid the right foundation. And I'm also making this decision in good faith – what I believe is right for the institute, the team and the state."
Alongside Novikov’s departure, PlayCity has undergone another significant change in its oversight structure. Following a recent decision by the Cabinet of Ministers, the regulator has been placed under the direct supervision of the Cabinet. Previously, PlayCity operated under the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
PlayCity’s dedicated online tool enables citizens to report illegal gambling advertisements
