Interfax, the Ukrainian news agency, reported that PlayCity, the country’s new gambling regulator, will start issuing new gambling licenses. It will also begin confirming existing ones. The move comes after the Cabinet of Ministers adopted a resolution on licensing conditions for the gambling sector. This resolution allows the process to start.
PlayCity stated on Telegram that the licensing process will generate nearly UAH 50 million (€1.03 million) in additional state budget revenues from license fees. It added that part of these funds will go toward buying drones for the Defense Forces. More budget revenues will also be used to strengthen defense capabilities.
The new regulator became operational in June. It said that to get a Ukrainian gambling license, companies should demonstrate good business reputation. This is an absence of ties with Russia, as well as implementation of all necessary mechanisms for responsible gaming. It said these requirements apply to both new and existing licensees.
Current licensees have two months to pass documents to PlayCity to show compliance with the requirements. Sanctions may apply in the form of fines or termination of the license if the requirements are not met.
In March, the Cabinet of Ministers established PlayCity. The head of the new state agency is Hennadiy Novikov, a lawyer with public administration experience. He previously served as deputy head of the Gambling Regulation Commission (KRAIL), the former regulator. He also supported dismantling the previous regulator under the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
In his previous role, Novikov initiated the process of blocking illegal online casinos. He also facilitated inspections of gambling operators to ensure legal compliance. This is according to the ministry.
PlayCity confirmed plans to introduce a new national monitoring system for gaming in Ukraine in July. The system will track, as well as record all gambling transactions nationwide. Both land-based and online operators will have to integrate with the system. These include gaming arcades, sportsbooks and online poker platforms. The system will let real-time monitoring of bets, payouts, and winnings.
