The government has created the state agency PlayCity that will regulate lotteries and gambling.
This was announced by the representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in the Verkhovna Rada Taras Melnychuk.
‘The State Agency of Ukraine PlayCity has been established as a central executive body,’ he said in a statement.
It is noted that the activities of the new agency are directed and coordinated by the Cabinet of Ministers through the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology - Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhaylo Fedorov.
The agency implements the state policy in the field of lotteries and gambling.
‘The gambling market is becoming transparent and controlled. The state agency PlayCity will soon start operating, replacing the Ukrainian Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) and will be responsible for implementing the policy in the field of gambling and lotteries, while the Ministry of Digital Transformation will be engaged in its formation,’ the Ministry of Digital Transformation said.
The agency notes that the most important task is to digitise the issuance of operating licences and create tools for clear market control and the fight against illegal casinos. The state loses up to UAH 10 billion to the shadow market. Digitalisation of the sector will help eradicate corruption, make the market transparent and increase budget revenues, which will then be used for the needs of the Defence Forces.
The next step is to appoint the head of the state agency and approve the regulations for the new institution.
- In February, the Cabinet of Ministers transferred gambling and lottery regulation from the Gambling Commission to the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
- In December 2024, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law on the liquidation of the KRAIL and strengthening control over the gambling business.
- Also in December last year, law enforcement officers detained the head of KRAIL. Ivan Rudyy is suspected of assisting representatives of the aggressor country. Subsequently, the court sent him to custody without the right to be released on bail.