Ukraine Establishes a Fresh Registry for Game Creators
The gambling landscape in Ukraine is undergoing dramatic transformations, with the Cabinet of Ministers disbanding KRAIL and establishing the state agency PlayCity in its stead.
Introducing PlayCity: A New Era for Gambling Regulation
Gennady Novikov, head of PlayCity, explains that the new agency will address the shortcomings of the current gaming registry. While the existing registry serves to consolidate information about individuals with gambling restrictions, its test-mode limitations hamper its effectiveness. Novikov seeks to improve the registry's convenience for citizens and foster growth within the gambling market.
The Increasing Problem of Problem Gamblers in Ukraine
The self-exclusion registry, as Novikov puts it, has accumulated 12,807 Ukrainians. Nearly all entries—99%—are voluntary requests to restrict access to gambling. The remaining 1% comes from the agency's decision to enforce restrictions, with only 169 such cases in total. No one was added to the registry through court decisions.
The registry's growth is notable: in 2024, an average of 780 people were added each month, a 2.8-fold increase over the previous year. April 2024 saw the highest number of self-exclusion requests, with 1,041. June, however, saw the lowest number, at 524.
Shaking Up the Gambling Industry
Apart from the new registry, PlayCity is expected to bring about broader changes in the gambling industry. These reforms could lead to transparency, a regulated market, and stricter operator audits, all designed to combat illegal online casinos. The new regulatory landscape is anticipated to benefit both consumers and the state budget, potentially generating additional tax revenues of €220 million annually.
Don't forget, while we're here to provide information, we don't condone or encourage problematic behavior. If you or someone you know might be struggling with a gambling addiction, know that help is available. Reach out to organizations that offer support and guidance.
With the birth of PlayCity, Ukraine's gambling market is bracing itself for a much-needed reinvention. As more details unfold, we'll keep you updated on the developments in this ever-evolving industry.
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[2] The Kyiv Post, (2024). Ukraine’s new gambling agency to tackle illegal casinos, fight for transparent market. [Online]. Available: https://www.kyivpost.com/business/electronic-media/2024/04/14/ukraines-new-gambling-agency-to-tackle-illegal-casinos-fight-for-transparent-market/
[3] The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, (2025). Tax Revenues from the Gambling Industry Surge in 2025. [Online]. Available: https://mfin.gov.ua/gromadyanskiya-prasa/2025/01/prihodi-zdajuvannya-podatku-z-gry-rosly-u-1-kvartal-2025/
[4] Transparency International Ukraine, (2024). Annual Report 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.transparency.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TI_annual_report_2024_en.pdf
[5] The Kyiv Post, (2025). Ukraine’s gambling industry sees growth as new agency takes charge. [Online]. Available: https://www.kyivpost.com/business/electronic-media/2025/06/09/ukraines-gambling-industry-sees-growth-as-new-agency-takes-charge/
Additional Insights
While the recent changes and plans for the gambling industry in Ukraine don't explicitly mention a specific Registry of Problem Gamblers, there are broader transformations taking place, such as increased tax revenues, tighter regulations, and a push for transparency and a regulated market. Any future plans for a registry of problem gamblers may form part of these broader reforms.
- What is the purpose of the newly established PlayCity agency in Ukraine? It aims to improve the current gaming registry's convenience for citizens and foster growth in the gambling market, addressing its test-mode limitations.
- The self-exclusion registry, managed by PlayCity, has amassed 12,807 Ukrainians, with 99% of the entries being voluntary requests to restrict access to gambling.
- The number of people added to the self-exclusion registry grew significantly in 2024, with an average of 780 people added each month, a 2.8-fold increase over the previous year.
- PlayCity is expected to bring about changes in the gambling industry, such as transparency, stricter operator audits, and a regulated market to combat illegal online casinos, potentially generating additional tax revenues of €220 million annually.
- The gambling industry in Ukraine is undergoing transformations, with the new regulatory landscape anticipated to benefit both consumers and the state budget. However, the efforts to combat problem gambling through a specific Registry of Problem Gamblers are yet to be explicitly addressed.
