A standout feature of the program is its citizen participation model. Through PlayCity’s dedicated online portal, users can:
Ukraine has launched a sweeping crackdown on illegal gambling, shutting down dozens of social media accounts and blocking hundreds of unlicensed websites. The announcement was made by PlayCity, the national regulatory body overseeing the gambling industry, which released the first results of its new enforcement campaign targeting unauthorized platforms and deceptive advertising.
Influencers Hit Hard: 22 Accounts Closed
One of the most high-profile measures came from social media. Twenty-two Instagram accounts with a combined following of more than 2.8 million were shut down. Among them were popular influencers Kolya Zalipukha and Olya Filova, both accused of promoting gambling content under the guise of “personal experiences.”
PlayCity stated that many of their posts showcased staged “big wins” that were fabricated marketing tactics designed to lure new players. In several cases, influencers had not even registered accounts on the platforms they promoted, further exposing the manipulative nature of their actions. According to the regulator, such misleading gambling promotions violate Ukrainian law.
New Tracking System: 145 Sites Blocked
At the same time, PlayCity revealed initial results from its new Illegal Casino Tracking System. In just two weeks, the system processed 236 reports, confirming that 145 websites were unlicensed and blocking them accordingly. Another 91 reports were dismissed due to insufficient evidence or technical issues.
The regulator explained that the blocking process is not instantaneous. Once PlayCity verifies a report, the findings are forwarded to the National Electronic Communications Regulator, which then instructs service providers to restrict access. Providers have three days to comply, and the full process can take up to nine days. If providers fail to act, users can file additional complaints through the same system.
Citizen Participation and Digital Transparency
A standout feature of the program is its citizen participation model. Through PlayCity’s dedicated online portal, users can:
- Verify whether an online casino is licensed
- Report suspicious websites
- Flag non-compliant service providers
- Contribute to an open database of illegal gambling resources
PlayCity emphasized that each submission represents progress toward building a safer and more transparent digital environment—one that protects both consumers and the regulated gambling ecosystem.
Sending a Strong Message
The initiative sends a clear signal: deceptive promotions and unlicensed gambling will not be tolerated. PlayCity highlighted its cooperation with Meta, which ultimately removed the Instagram accounts, as an example of how public authorities, tech platforms, and civil society can work together.
