Restart of Licensing After a Blockade
The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a resolution updating the rules for licensing in the gambling sector, giving the PlayCity State Agency the green light to resume issuing licenses.
Since 2024, the issuance of new licenses was blocked. Now, with the restart, applications worth almost ₴50 million are already under review, and this amount is expected to grow significantly.
“All funds from license fees and taxes should be directed to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities,”
— Natalia Denikeeva, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for the Digital Economy.
New Conditions for Market Players
The updated framework introduces higher entry barriers and compliance standards:
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Impeccable business reputation required for organizers.
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No ties with aggressor states.
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Implementation of Responsible Gaming mechanisms.
👉 Existing license holders must submit compliance documents to PlayCity within two months, or face fines and potential license revocation.
Responsible Gaming and Player Protection
Organizers will be obligated to integrate time and spending limits, self-restraint tools, and remove incentives that push further gambling (such as bonuses or alcohol).
The upgraded State Online Monitoring System (DSOM) will track:
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Player activity in real time.
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Compliance with Responsible Gaming standards.
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Anti-addiction safeguards.
Tax Transparency & Budget Revenues
The State Tax Service will receive direct access to DSOM, enabling real-time monitoring of:
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Financial performance of organizers.
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Timeliness of tax payments.
This ensures regular, predictable revenues for the state budget.
📌 The first stage of the DSOM will be completed by the end of 2025.
Investment Perspective
For foreign and local investors, Ukraine’s gambling sector is moving toward a transparent, digitally monitored market aligned with European standards.
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Revenue potential: Tens of millions already in pending license applications.
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Predictability: Automated monitoring reduces regulatory risks.
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Social legitimacy: Stronger responsible gaming rules increase long-term sustainability of the market.
