Ukraine has confirmed that all gambling licenses will now be subject to the new system. This is sex weeks after the Ministry of Digital Transformation announced the development of a state online monitoring system.
The resolution, announced on August 31, allows comprehensive tracking of all gambling transactions. It aims to enhance transparency within the sector. The system will support Ukraine’s newly formed gambling regulatory body, PlayCity. It will enable real-time monitoring of bets, returns, and winnings.
According to the Cabinet of Ministers, the system’s goal is to facilitate live verification of operator data. This will help ensure regulatory compliance. It will also allow PlayCity to publish detailed market volume data. This information will be important for enforcement, as well as policy development.
The rollout of the monitoring system marks an important step in the overhaul of the gambling industry of Ukraine. This change comes after the cabinet dissolved the past regulator, KRAIL, following serious corruption issues. These include money laundering allegations, as well as connections to Russian operatives.
In response to these scandals, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established PlayCity, which officially began its work on April 1. PlayCity implements state policy for gambling and lotteries, sectors viewed as high-risk during the ongoing war.
On April 8, Hennadiy Novikov became the head of PlayCity. He brings extensive experience and strong ties to the Ministry of Digital Transformation. He previously served as a member and deputy head of KRAIL.
Announced in July, the new monitoring system, marks the most significant move of the regulatory since its establishment. This monitoring system will integrate both land-based and online operators, including casinos, arcades, bookmakers, and online poker rooms.
The new monitoring system is part of a broader series of gambling reforms. The Ukrainian government is planning these reforms to strengthen oversight of the sector.
