PlayCity urges international suppliers to cut access for illegal Ukraine operators

PlayCity has called on international gaming suppliers to stop providing content and technology to unlicensed gambling operators targeting players in Ukraine.

The regulator said its internet monitoring had identified illegal casino websites and mobile applications offering games and technological solutions developed by international providers. It has asked suppliers to restrict access to their products from Ukraine where these are being used by unlicensed websites, applications, platforms and aggregators.

Providers have also been asked to check whether operators receiving their products hold valid Ukrainian licences. PlayCity maintains a licensing register and included information from it in its communication to suppliers.

The initiative broadens Ukraine's approach to the illegal online market by targeting the infrastructure available to unlicensed operators. Previous enforcement has concentrated on blocking gambling websites, removing illegal advertising and pursuing businesses and individuals responsible for regulatory breaches.

PlayCity said more than 3,500 illegal gambling websites were blocked during the first year of the wider gambling reform. More than 500 social media accounts carrying illegal gambling advertising were also removed, while 16 bloggers and media organisations faced sanctions. 

The agency began operating in June 2025 after replacing the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries. Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation sets policy for the sector, while PlayCity is responsible for functions including licensing, market supervision, enforcement and maintaining regulatory registers.

The regulatory overhaul has also restored licensing activity. Gambling licence payments contributed more than UAH1.7bn ($41.2m) to Ukraine's state budget in 2025, alongside almost UAH17bn in gambling tax receipts.

Digital oversight is another component of the reforms. The Government established the legal framework for the State Online Monitoring System (DSOM) in January, requiring licensed operators to integrate with the system during its rollout. 

PlayCity has since continued development of the system while maintaining enforcement against unlicensed websites and advertising.

The latest supplier request adds a B2B element to those measures, with PlayCity seeking to reduce the availability of third-party games, software and infrastructure to operators that continue serving Ukraine without domestic authorisation.

Separately, the Verkhovna Rada Tax Committee has backed legislation proposing changes to PlayCity's leadership and governance, including competitive appointments, stronger integrity requirements and an independent external audit involving international experts.