Ukraine is stepping up its fight against illegal gambling. The country continues to face challenges from the ongoing conflict in its eastern regions. In a major regulatory shift, the government dissolved its former gambling authority, KRAIL. It also launched a new body called PlayCity to strengthen enforcement and improve oversight. The move signals Kyiv’s determination to curb unlawful gambling activities that threaten both the economy and national security.
One key measure introduced by PlayCity is a real-time monitoring system. It tracks gambling transactions across the country. This allows authorities to detect suspicious activity more efficiently and shut down unauthorized operations. In addition, the new agency is paying closer attention to social media platforms. Illegal gambling advertisements have been spreading there at an alarming rate.
Authorities believe many of these operations connect to networks linked with the Russian Federation. This raises concerns that money from Ukrainian players could be indirectly funding Russia’s military activities. To counter this, PlayCity has taken action against Instagram accounts promoting unlawful gambling, some of which belong to high-profile influencers.
Among those targeted were Kolia Zalipukha and Olia Filova. Twenty other popular content creators allegedly joined them in encouraging participation in unlicensed online casinos. According to PlayCity, some influencers staged fake gambling wins to entice followers. This was a form of manipulative advertising that violates Ukrainian law.
The agency has since suspended these accounts, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding players and maintaining legal standards. PlayCity is cracking down on both operators and promoters. Its goal is to create a fairer and more transparent gambling market for everyone.
Ultimately, the broader goal of Ukraine is to keep gambling secure and regulated. It aims to make the industry free from criminal influence and exploitation. In the face of war and instability, PlayCity’s actions represent a critical step toward protecting citizens and reinforcing national resilience.
