Ukraine implements a national system to oversee online gambling activities
In a bid to modernize its gambling regulatory framework and combat corruption, Ukraine has established a new regulatory body, PlayCity, under the Ministry of Digital Transformation. This move follows the disbanding of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) by presidential decree in March 2023.
The formation of PlayCity is part of Ukraine's efforts to restructure its gambling industry regulations. The new regulator began operational activities in May 2023, overseeing the country's gambling market.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation is developing a national online gambling monitoring system to enhance transparency, tax compliance, and control over the industry. This system, scheduled to be launched in July 2025, will offer several key features.
## Key Features of the New Regulatory Framework:
1. **Real-time Monitoring**: The system will track every bet in real time, providing visibility into accepted and refunded wagers, as well as payout data. This allows for more effective oversight and compliance monitoring. 2. **Market Statistics**: The system will make data on market volumes publicly accessible, aiding in a better understanding of the gambling market's dynamics and supporting policy decisions. 3. **Tax Obligations**: It will offer a clear understanding of tax obligations, helping build a predictable tax policy for the country. This is crucial for ensuring that gambling operators contribute appropriately to the state budget.
## Objectives of the Online Monitoring System:
1. **Transparency and Compliance**: The system aims to increase transparency across the legal gambling market, reducing the prevalence of unlicensed gambling activities. 2. **Combating Shadow Economy**: By monitoring legal casinos and recording each bet in real time, the system can help combat the shadow market and ensure a more regulated environment.
## Public and Stakeholder Engagement:
IT firms are invited to participate in public consultations scheduled for July 21, 2025, to contribute to the system's design and functionality. The system's effectiveness is contingent on stakeholder collaboration, including input from technology companies and stakeholders in the gambling industry.
The new gambling regulatory framework, including the national online monitoring system, is designed to modernize the regulatory environment, enhance transparency, combat corruption, and improve tax compliance within the gambling industry. The system is intended to be convenient, effective, and understandable, allowing public access to aggregate market data.
The move comes amidst growing scrutiny of the gambling sector in Ukraine, with media reports and investigations raising concerns about the presence of gambling operators with alleged ties to Russian entities. The Russian invasion in 2022 has further intensified this scrutiny.
[1] Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, (2023). New Gambling Regulatory Framework. Retrieved from [www.digital.gov.ua/news/new-gambling-regulatory-framework](http://www.digital.gov.ua/news/new-gambling-regulatory-framework)
[2] Ukrainian Government, (2023). Establishment of PlayCity. Retrieved from [www.ukraine.gov.ua/news/establishment-of-playcity](http://www.ukraine.gov.ua/news/establishment-of-playcity)
[3] IT Firms Invited for July Consultations on Ukraine's New Gambling Monitoring System. (2025). Retrieved from [www.itfirms.com/news/it-firms-invited-for-july-consultations-on-ukraines-new-gambling-monitoring-system](http://www.itfirms.com/news/it-firms-invited-for-july-consultations-on-ukraines-new-gambling-monitoring-system)
[4] Transparency and Compliance in Ukraine's Gambling Industry: A New Approach. (2025). Retrieved from [www.transparency.org/ukraine/news/transparency-and-compliance-in-ukraines-gambling-industry-a-new-approach](http://www.transparency.org/ukraine/news/transparency-and-compliance-in-ukraines-gambling-industry-a-new-approach)
The Ministry of Digital Transformation is responsible for establishing the new regulatory body, PlayCity, responsible for overseeing the gambling industry in Ukraine, demonstrating the government's commitment to restructuring its gambling regulations. As part of the new regulatory framework, the Ministry is developing a national online gambling monitoring system, aiming to improve transparency, combat corruption, and ensure compliance through real-time monitoring, market statistics, and clear tax obligations for gambling operators.
