Ukraine’s gambling regulator PlayCity says it has uncovered nearly UAH 946 million in compliance violations since taking over oversight of the country’s betting and gaming market last year.
The agency released the figures in its latest operational report as it prepares to launch inspections of 34 licensed operators before the end of 2026.
PlayCity officially replaced KRAIL in June 2025 following a government-led restructuring of Ukraine’s gambling sector. The former regulator had faced mounting criticism over its effectiveness during the ongoing war with Russia, with staffing shortages and corruption allegations weakening its ability to supervise the market.
Ukraine first relegalised gambling in 2020 after an 11-year ban, but industry oversight has remained a challenge amid wartime pressures and rapid market expansion.
The latest enforcement data is being viewed by some industry observers as evidence that PlayCity is taking a more aggressive regulatory approach than its predecessor. Alongside operator inspections, the agency is also working on a nationwide study into problem gambling, a centralised monitoring platform for licensees, and measures aimed at limiting illegal gambling advertising.
At the same time, concerns are emerging over possible political changes that could affect the regulator’s future role. Ukrainian lawmakers are debating new legislation linked to the country’s commitments to the International Monetary Fund, including a proposal that could transfer gambling policy responsibilities from the Ministry of Digital Transformation to the Ministry of Finance.
Critics of the proposal warn that another restructuring could disrupt PlayCity’s oversight plans just as the regulator begins expanding its enforcement activity across the licensed market.