Ukraine plans to introduce a new digital Registry of Persons Restricted from Gambling in December 2025, aimed at combating gambling addiction and protecting vulnerable citizens.
The initiative, announced by the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, represents a significant step toward responsible gaming standards and digitalized social protection.
Key Features of the New System
The updated registry will allow individuals to limit their own access to gambling activities or request restrictions for relatives suffering from gambling addiction.
Through the online citizen’s office, users will be able to:
-
Submit self-restriction requests to block personal participation in gambling or entry to gambling establishments.
-
Request restrictions for relatives if a family member shows signs of addiction or financial harm.
All authorization will be carried out through the Diia digital portal, allowing quick and secure application in just a few clicks. The registry will be integrated with licensed gambling operators to automatically verify the player’s status before participation.
It will also feature integration with the demographic register and include strong personal data protection measures, ensuring privacy and regulatory compliance.
Background and Previous Version
A similar system — the Register of Persons Restricted from Gambling — was initially introduced in June 2021.
That early version allowed individuals or their relatives to request gambling restrictions for periods ranging from six months to three years. However, it had limited functionality, required manual submissions to the Commission, and lacked integration with digital government systems.
The previous registry was also constrained by institutional changes, as oversight functions were partially transferred to the PlayCity company, leading to the decision to rebuild and relaunch the system under a modernized framework.
New Management and Implementation
The PlayCity company will now operate and maintain the upgraded registry in cooperation with the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries.
The relaunch reflects Ukraine’s broader policy of digital transformation — simplifying state services while addressing social risks associated with gambling and addiction.
Social and Economic Significance
The updated system aligns with European standards of responsible gaming and reflects Ukraine’s efforts to balance market liberalization with citizen protection.
By introducing digital self-exclusion mechanisms, Ukraine will reduce the administrative burden on regulators, increase transparency for operators, and empower citizens to manage their gambling behavior proactively.
The registry also represents a social safety tool in wartime and post-war conditions, where financial instability can increase the risk of gambling-related harm.
Outlook
Launching in December 2025, the new gambling restriction registry will modernize oversight, improve accessibility through Diia, and provide a clear model of digital social responsibility in Ukraine’s growing online economy.
The initiative signals a mature and preventive approach by the state — using technology to protect citizens while ensuring market integrity in one of the most sensitive sectors of the entertainment industry.
