Contradicting Timelines
The launch of Ukraine’s State Online Monitoring System (DSOM) for gambling remains surrounded by conflicting timelines:
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Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, stated earlier that a first version could be ready by the end of 2025, with operators gradually connecting.
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However, PlayCity, the state agency regulating gambling, told the Temporary Investigative Commission on September 9 that full launch is possible only by fall 2026.
Given that PlayCity officials testified under criminal liability, their timeline appears more realistic and credible.
Why Is It Taking So Long?
According to PlayCity head Gennady Novikov, building such a system is not comparable to creating a simple app or website:
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It must collect and process billions of transactions in real time.
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The system needs advanced cybersecurity protection against hacking and data leaks.
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It has to ensure transparency and traceability across the entire gambling and lottery market.
Leading Ukrainian IT companies, consulted by the regulator, confirmed that development will take at least one year, even under optimal conditions.
Step-by-Step Launch Plan
PlayCity has divided the rollout into stages:
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December 2025 – Stage 1
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Launch of the first functional module.
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Integration of initial registers and test connections with operators.
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2026 – Development Phase
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Expansion of functionality.
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Scaling to full market coverage.
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September–October 2026 – Full Launch
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The complete system becomes operational.
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Real-time monitoring of all licensed operators’ transactions begins.
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Expected Benefits
The government estimates that the DSOM could generate ₴20–30 billion in additional annual budget revenues.
Key outcomes include:
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Destruction of corruption schemes in gambling and lotteries.
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Elimination of illegal casinos and removal of the “Russian trace” from the market.
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Transparency for legal operators and increased trust from the public.
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More tax revenues for the state and military budget.
Novikov emphasized:
“PlayCity creates rules that guarantee honesty for legal operators, billions in revenues for the state and army, and most importantly, public trust.”
Current Situation Until Launch
Until DSOM is in place, the market continues to operate under old schemes. One of the most widespread practices is disguising gambling winnings as “deposit returns”, which reduces transparency and tax collection.
PlayCity has already:
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Adopted key regulatory acts within three months of starting work.
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Begun creating integration registers.
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Announced a tender for the first phase of the system on September 2, with a winner to be determined after September 10.
