Ukraine Rolls Out National iGaming Monitoring System

Ukraine’s iGaming Monitoring System Could Be a Real Game‑Changer

Ukraine is prepping a real-time national iGaming monitoring system, and quite frankly, it’s a massive leap forward.

My take? This digital overhaul under PlayCity can curb illegal operators while boosting tax compliance.

I believe this is a pivotal moment—Ukraine may reclaim lost revenues and protect players better than ever.

So let’s explore what this system means, why it’s needed, and how it may reshape Ukraine’s gambling landscape.

Key Points

• Real‑time monitoring covers legal bets, refunds, and payouts across licensed platforms.
• PlayCity replaces KRAIL, digitizing licensing and crackdowns on illegal, Russia‑linked operators.
• Public consultations and tech partnerships, including input from IT companies via July 21 event.

Why Ukraine’s National iGaming Monitoring System Matters (And How It Works)

I have to say, Ukraine’s new push to build a national iGaming monitoring system is both bold and necessary. After years of regulatory hiccups, the Ministry of Digital Transformation and new regulator PlayCity are pursuing a system to track every legal bet in real time.

The Context: Chaos Before the Reboot

Back in 2023, Ukraine dismantled KRAIL amid corruption allegations and inefficiency. Licensing stopped, unscrupulous operators lurked, and an estimated UAH 10 billion slipped through the cracks annually . That’s roughly €200 million down the drain each year.

Fast forward to 2025—PlayCity has launched under digital‑first leadership with Hennadiy Novikov at the helm. His team shut down over 4,500 illegal sites in 2024 and issued fines of nearly UAH 18 million. But they aren’t stopping there.

Real‑Time Tracking: What That Actually Means

Essentially, every bet, refund, and payout on licensed platforms will be logged instantly. Authorities will know:

• Who’s betting
• How much is at stake
• What’s paid out
• If something feels off, it’s flagged

Even more compelling: market‑level stats will be public, allowing operators and citizens to see transparent volumes and tax contributions.

This data can directly feed into the creation of predictable, fair tax rates and smarter regulation—no more guesswork.

Closing the Russia‑Linked Loophole

One of the key goals is to remove Russia-connected gambling circles, which have flourished amid war‑time chaos . PlayCity also plans to block 133 more unlicensed casinos by mid‑July . That’s the kind of decisive action Ukraine needs.

Public Engagement and Tech Integration

PlayCity and the Ministry are inviting tech firms to contribute to the system’s design. Public consultations run from July 18 to July 21—and they want feedback .

That’s smart. Involving developers early ensures the system is not only robust, but user‑friendly and effective.

My Take: Why This Is a Win

I’ve seen other markets grapple with opaque gambling sectors, and Ukraine is way ahead of the curve. Here’s why:

1. Transparency elevates trust. Real data means fewer fears of hidden deals.
2. Ironed‑out taxes mean more state revenue, which Ukraine desperately needs.
3. Illegal operators will struggle to hide, thanks to coordination between PlayCity and telecom agencies .

Plus, integrating Diia’s self‑exclusion registry helps vulnerable players protect themselves .

Ukraine’s move to launch a national iGaming monitoring system represents smart, forward‑looking governance. By bringing real‑time transparency, accountability, and digital oversight, PlayCity is doing more than reforming an industry—it’s redefining public trust and fiscal responsibility.

Yes, implementing this system will be challenging. But if Ukraine succeeds, it could set a brilliant example for other emerging and regulated markets worldwide.