The State Agency PlayCity fined the owner of the popular Telegram channel “Truha Ukraine” UAH 4.8 million. The penalty was for systematically violating gambling advertising laws. PlayCity issued the fine after conducting an extensive monitoring operation. It reviewed several high-traffic Telegram channels to ensure compliance with Ukraine’s gambling promotion regulations.
According to reports from UNN, citing the Ministry of Digital Transformation, investigators uncovered several major violations. These violations included repeated unlicensed gambling advertisements. The channel also failed to register in the Register of Media Entities. This registration is required for platforms that legally advertise gambling in Ukraine.
PlayCity also found manipulative and misleading language in the channel’s posts. Examples included phrases like “won UAH 2,100 from 100” and “subscriber took 17 thousand.” Authorities say these messages mislead viewers by creating unrealistic expectations of easy winnings. Additionally, the posts did not include legally mandated warnings about ludomania (gambling addiction). They also failed to provide responsible gambling disclaimers required by law.
Another serious issue was the channel owner’s failure to establish a formal agreement with any licensed gambling operators. Such agreements are essential for lawful promotion. Without such contracts, the owner published unauthorized promotional content that violated national advertising laws and further undermined regulatory standards.
PlayCity emphasized that these violations threaten efforts to promote a safe, transparent, and responsible gambling environment in Ukraine. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying oversight of digital platforms, particularly Telegram channels, which often carry unregulated advertising content.
This case stands as a clear warning to digital media operators, influencers, and content creators. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, those engaged in gambling promotion must strictly follow all legal requirements. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, reputational harm, content removal, and even potential criminal investigations. The message is clear: the rules apply online, just as they do everywhere else.
