Ukrainian gambling regulator rolls out digital complaints platform
The new system allows members of the public to report illegal gambling advertisements to PlayCity.
Ukraine.- The Ukrainian gambling regulator, PlayCity, has rolled out a new digital complaints platform that’s intended to streamline how the public can report illegal gambling advertisements. The complaints form is now live in the ‘For Citizens’ section of PlayCity’s website, giving Ukrainian citizens a direct channel to help monitor and curb illegal gambling advertising.
The system enables citizens to flag suspected violations across multiple formats, including social media, websites, television, radio, outdoor billboards and other public spaces. Users submitting a complaint must identify the platform type, provide a direct link to the advertisement, and attach supporting evidence such as screenshots or video clips.
The system is designed to automatically archive submissions and capture ephemeral content like social media “stories” so regulators can review material even after it disappears. PlayCity staff will screen each complaint to assess whether the content breaches Ukraine’s advertising rules.
If violations are confirmed, the regulator can request removal of content from platforms such as Meta, Google, TikTok, YouTube, Viber and Twitch. PlayCity said it could also seek to block social media accounts that repeatedly share unlawful gambling promotions, fine responsible parties or escalate cases to law enforcement when identities cannot be verified.
The statutory fine for illegal gambling advertising stands at UAH 5,188,200 (about €100,900).
The new enforcement framework stems from Law No.9526d, the same legislation that abolished the previous gambling regulator KRAIL. PlayCity assumed responsibility for gambling and lottery oversight after the Ministry of Digital Transformation absorbed regulatory functions last year. It says it’s already issued nearly UAH 80m in fines and blocked more than 500 social media pages linked to prohibited gambling content.
In March, PlayCity began operating an automated system developed with the Ministries of Digital Transformation and Defence to prevent military personnel from accessing online gambling during the period of martial law in an effort to reduce problem gambling risks among service members. Meanwhile, the regulator has launched the new Diia portal allowing online gambling licence applications in Ukraine, replacing the need for paper documents or in-person interaction.
