The Ukrainian government is reportedly set to replace the regulator of lotteries, betting and gaming with a new authority

According to SBC News, the Ukrainian Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) will be replaced by a new agency called “PlayCity”.

The outlet cited Ukrainian news sources which referenced the Telegram channel of Taras Melnychuk, a Ukrainian government official, outlining plans for a ‘Central Executive’ implementing state policy around gambling.

SBC News’ sources told the site that the Rada, Ukraine’s Parliament, is expected to publish a draft to form a new regulatory agency, which will likely be signed early next week.

Legislators’ main objective is to combat corruption in gambling, with KRAIL’s tenure as the overseeing authority of the Ukrainian industry marred by allegations of bribery, prior to the Russian invasion in 2022.

Since then the industry has faced further scrutiny, with some operators in particular accused of conducting business with Russian entities and individuals despite the ongoing war between the two nations.

Overhauling the regulatory authority for Ukrainian gambling, the country’s Cabinet of Ministers is currently in the process of deciding the structure and tasks for the new agency.

The agency will be able to set limits on gambling by introducing restrictions, individual money pending limits, gambling blocks against illegal websites, and revoking licences.

It is understood that online advertising will be permitted but it must target customers aged 21 and over in line with the Ukrainian gambling age limit. TV advertising is only permitted between 11pm and 6am and sponsorship will be possible but limited only to sports teams

4H Agency, a gambling consultancy firm, told SBC News that the Ukrainian government hopes to strengthen control and surveillance of the gambling sector.

It can be assumed that the reason for this is to prevent criminality and ensure the integrity of the industry during a time of ongoing hostilities with Russia, while also ensuring tax revenue and player protection.

Further down the line, a new licensing regime for B2B tech and services firms, such as those providing third-party services for Ukrainian lotteries, could be introduced.

https://lotterydaily.com/2025/03/24/region/europe/ukraine-lotteries/