Ukraine launches online complaint tool to report illegal gambling advertising

Ukraine’s gambling regulator PlayCity has launched an online complaints system that allows citizens to report suspected illegal gambling advertising across digital, broadcast, and public advertising channels.

The complaints form, now available through the PlayCity website, is open to all Ukrainian citizens and is intended to support public monitoring of unlawful gambling promotions. The tool covers suspected breaches on social media platforms, websites, television, radio, outdoor advertising, and other public locations.

The launch comes as Ukraine continues to tighten enforcement of gambling advertising rules following the legalization of gambling in 2020. PlayCity said it has imposed almost UAH80 million in fines linked to illegal gambling advertising since its establishment 11 months ago. The regulator has also blocked more than 500 social media pages distributing prohibited content.

For 2026, the statutory administrative fine for illegal gambling advertising is UAH5,188,200, equivalent to $118,069. 

Under the new reporting system, complainants must identify the type of platform involved, provide a direct link to the advertisement, and submit supporting material such as screenshots or videos. The system has also been designed to automatically archive reported content and capture temporary advertising material, including social media “stories”, at the time a complaint is filed.

This feature allows the regulator to examine material even if it is later removed or expires. Once a complaint is submitted, PlayCity staff will screen the material to assess whether it violates Ukraine’s gambling advertising regulations.

Where advertising is found to be illegal, PlayCity can seek the removal of content from major digital platforms, including Meta, Google, TikTok, YouTube, Viber, and Twitch. The regulator can also block social media pages that repeatedly distribute unlawful gambling advertising, impose fines on identified responsible parties, or refer unresolved cases to law enforcement when those responsible cannot be confirmed through official state registers.

PlayCity became the state agency responsible for regulating gambling and lotteries after policy functions were transferred to the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Its predecessor, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, known as KRAIL, was dissolved in April 2024 after failing to issue gambling licenses in a timely manner.

The tougher enforcement framework was introduced through Law No. 9526d, the same legislation that dissolved KRAIL. PlayCity has also recently started managing an automated mechanism intended to prevent military personnel from accessing online gambling services. The system, introduced in March by Ukraine’s Ministries of Digital Transformation and Defence, is aimed at reducing problem gambling among military personnel during the ongoing martial law period.