Ukraine’s gaming regulator, PlayCity, has introduced a new online complaints system designed to accelerate public reporting of illegal gaming advertising, the agency announced on Thursday.

The online tool allows users to report suspected violations across multiple channels, including social media platforms, websites, television, radio, outdoor advertising, and other public locations.

PlayCity became the designated state agency responsible for regulating gaming and lottery activities following a transfer of policy functions to the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Its predecessor, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), was dissolved in April 2024 after ongoing delays in issuing gaming licences.

How does the tool work?

Users submitting complaints are required to specify the platform type, provide a direct link to the advertisement, and upload supporting materials such as screenshots or videos.

Notably, the system automatically archives submitted content and is designed to capture and download temporary advertising materials, including social media “stories”, at the time of submission.

This enables regulators to review content even after it has been removed or expired.

Once submitted, complaints are initially reviewed by PlayCity staff to determine whether the reported content violates Ukraine’s gaming advertising regulations.

If advertisements are determined to be illegal, the regulator may take the following actions:

- Request removal of content from major digital platforms, including Meta, Google, TikTok, YouTube, Viber, and Twitch.

- Block social media pages that repeatedly distribute unlawful gaming advertising.

- Impose fines on responsible parties or refer unresolved cases to law enforcement agencies when identities cannot be verified through official state registers.

The current statutory administrative fine for illegal gaming advertising in 2026 is set at UAH5,188,200 ($118,069).

Ukraine’s ongoing enforcement

Stricter enforcement against illegal gaming advertising was introduced as part of Law No.9526d, the same bill that dissolved KRAIL.

The launch of the online complaints tool forms part of PlayCity’s broader digitalisation efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight within Ukraine’s gaming sector. Since its establishment 11 months ago, the regulator reported issuing nearly UAH80 million in fines related to illegal gaming advertising. In addition, more than 500 social media pages distributing prohibited content have been blocked.

These enforcement measures reflect a broader tightening of Ukraine’s regulatory environment following the legalisation of gaming activities in 2020.

PlayCity has also recently begun managing an automated mechanism designed to prevent military personnel from accessing online gaming services. Introduced by Ukraine’s Ministries of Digital Transformation and Defence in March, the system aims to reduce excessive gaming participation among military personnel during the ongoing martial law period.

The complaints form is now active and available to all Ukrainian citizens through the PlayCity website, enabling the public to actively participate in monitoring and regulating illegal gaming advertising.