Summary
- Ukraine has launched a cutting-edge system that captures operator data in real-time, bringing a new wave of connectivity and insight.
- This is part of the sweeping changes introduced by the new regulator as it strives to enhance its ability to oversee and protect.
- Ukraine is gearing up to implement further changes aimed at bolstering its oversight of the sector.
Ukraine is stepping up its efforts to enhance oversight of the nation's gambling industry. Recently, the Ministry of Digital Transformation announced plans to roll out a sophisticated monitoring system designed to track gambling transactions and ensure that all licensed operators are playing by the rules.
Ukraine goes ahead with its live monitoring system
On Sunday, August 31, the system officially went live, poised to support the newly formed gambling regulator, PlayCity, in ensuring all licensed companies meet the necessary standards. This monitoring system diligently tracks bets, returns, and winnings, verifying the real-time data submitted by operators. Its purpose is clear: to eliminate unauthorized gambling and prevent any breaches of existing law. Yet, despite its potential effectiveness, the system still doesn't tackle the underlying problem of illegal gambling. Ukraine has taken a strong stance against offshore gambling, a choice driven by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s concern that such activities might fund the Russian Federation's war against his country. The new regulations, however, are squarely focused on those holding regulated licenses. As long as everyone follows the law, the system is designed to zero in on those who flout it. The current focus is on tightening regulatory control over B2B suppliers and operators. PlayCity also carries the responsibility to track down and shut down illegal gambling websites, further strengthening the nation's commitment to a fair and legal gambling environment.
Websites linked to Russia are still proliferating among illegal operators
There’s a push to completely ban gambling advertisements, a move that might push more people toward unregulated, offshore platforms. Yet, the National Bank of Ukraine has estimated that Ukrainians are spending up to €8 million daily on various gambling sites. In response, PlayCity is committed to collaborating with key partners, including the State Bureau of Investigation. This agency is particularly focused on taking down gambling websites linked to Russia, suspecting they may be funding the ongoing conflict against Ukraine.
