Ukrainian Gambling Operators Develop Software to Track Illegal Casinos
A newly formed association of licensed Ukrainian gambling operators is preparing to launch custom-built software to detect and report illegal online casinos operating in the country. The initiative is aimed at curbing unlicensed gambling activity, particularly from companies linked to Russia.
Industry-Led Initiative Targets Illicit Platforms
The association, which includes companies employing over 900 IT professionals, was created to support the national crackdown on unauthorized gambling operators. According to a statement to DOU, the group intends to assist both the PlayCity state agency and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in identifying platforms that evade licensing rules and regulatory oversight.
Central to the initiative is the development of new software tools designed specifically to track illegal casinos. These tools are expected to help authorities pinpoint operations that falsely present themselves as local businesses while being managed from outside Ukraine, often from Russia.
Over 50 Unlicensed Casinos Active Online
According to the association, more than 50 illegal online casinos are currently active within Ukraine’s digital ecosystem. “More than 50 illegal online casinos continue to operate within Ukraine’s internet space. Many of them disguise themselves as Ukrainian companies, but are in fact controlled from within the Russian Federation and operate without a license,” the group said.
This ongoing presence of unregulated operators has raised concerns about consumer protection, tax evasion, and potential links to hostile foreign entities. The issue has gained urgency amid heightened scrutiny of businesses with Russian connections.
The formation of the operator-led association follows recent changes in Ukraine’s regulatory structure. On 21 March, the Ukrainian government established PlayCity, a new state agency under the Ministry of Digital Transformation. PlayCity replaced the previous regulator, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), which ceased operations on 1 April 2025.
Gennadiy Novikov, formerly deputy chief of staff at KRAIL, has been appointed head of the new agency. Since its formation, PlayCity has already taken decisive action, including the revocation of a gambling license held by PIN-UP casino. According to public records, three of PIN-UP’s founders were Russian nationals, alongside one Ukrainian co-founder.