Ukraine Advances Real-Time Monitoring for Online Gambling
Ukraine’s Initiative for Enhanced Gambling Oversight
In early June, Ukraine introduced PlayCity, a newly established gambling regulatory body aimed at curbing illegal gambling activities within the country. Building on this effort, the Ukrainian government is now seeking to increase transparency and accountability across its gambling industry.
Combating the Illegal Gambling Market
This week, the Ministry of Digital Transformation revealed plans to develop a comprehensive nationwide online gambling monitoring system. They are inviting IT companies to collaborate on designing an advanced platform capable of monitoring legal casinos’ operations, combating the illegal “shadow market,” and supporting transparent tax policies.
The envisioned system will allow real-time tracking of all bets while providing detailed insights on wagers placed, refunded, and paid out. Additionally, the platform will publish market volume data and clarify the amounts of tax revenue generated through gambling activities.
During the initial phase, feedback from technology firms will be gathered to ensure the system is user-friendly, efficient, and meets the needs of all stakeholders.
Companies interested in participating in this consultation process must register by July 18, as the platform’s online discussion is scheduled for July 21. This project underscores the Ukrainian authorities’ strong commitment to regulating an industry that continues to operate amidst the ongoing conflict.
Involving the Public and Fighting Corruption
Over recent years, Ukraine has intensified efforts to suppress unlicensed gambling operators to prevent financial flows to Russia-based sites and address public concerns over corruption within the sector. This led to the dissolution of the former regulatory body, the Ukrainian Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), earlier this year.
Established in 2020 following the re-legalization of gambling after an 11-year ban, KRAIL faced ongoing accusations related to bribery and misuse of authority. It was replaced in March 2025 by PlayCity, which is tasked with enforcing tighter regulatory controls.
Now, three months into PlayCity’s operations, the government is forming an independent anti-corruption expert panel within the regulator. This group will include members from public organizations and work to supervise reforms and ensure the integrity of PlayCity’s governance, aiming to prevent past lapses from recurring.
The selection of this advisory group’s members will be conducted via a public vote on Diya, Ukraine’s government digital platform. Only representatives from non-governmental organizations focused on anti-corruption, gambling addiction, and illegal gambling prevention can run for this group, while individuals linked to government officials, former KRAIL or PlayCity personnel, gambling companies, or their relatives are excluded from participation.