Modernizing gambling regulation is a key priority

A month has passed since the government adopted Resolution 505 "On Approval of the Regulation on the State Agency of Ukraine PlayCity", which established a new state regulatory body in the field of gambling and lotteries. This document defines the key tasks and principles of the national gambling regulator. "PlayCity aims to change approaches to the regulation of gambling and lotteries, ensuring transparency, legality and effective control.

How will the agency work and what are its priorities? Let's try to figure it out. Let's start with the main tasks that were clearly defined for PlayCity in the government decree and repeatedly emphasised by the head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine in his comments on this issue. As defined in the regulatory documents, PlayCity was created for the comprehensive supervision of the gambling and lottery market. Its main functions include:

• online market monitoring;

• transparent licensing;

• fighting against illegal casinos;

• penalties for violations;

• supervising state lotteries;

• protection of players' rights;

• maintaining registers and reporting.

  
  

These tasks are aimed at creating a safe, regulated and fair environment for players and gambling organisers. It is worth noting that to perform its functions, the agency will use modern digital tools to monitor the activities of organisers around the clock, which will allow for the prompt detection of violations. A clear and open licensing process will help eliminate corruption risks and create equal conditions for all market participants. Therefore, companies that do not comply with the terms of their licences will be fined, which will strengthen market discipline.

PlayCity will also focus on identifying and shutting down illegal gambling facilities that undermine the economy and trust in the industry. As for the protection of players' rights, the regulator's priority should be to reduce the risks of gambling addiction through the implementation of responsible practices and the protection of player data. It is expected that PlayCity will publish open data, maintain registers of organisers, and report annually on its work, ensuring maximum transparency.

To get an agency off the ground, you need to go through several key stages.

1. Approval of the structure and staff, including the development of the agency's organisational model and staffing to ensure effective coordination between areas.

   
   

2. Formation of a team of specialists in key areas - from digital technologies to legal and financial support.

   
   

These steps will lay a solid foundation for the effective functioning of the agency and the achievement of its ambitious goals.

The main goal of PlayCity is to transform the gambling and lottery market in Ukraine, making it controlled and legal. The agency should become a technocratic regulator that uses modern digital tools for monitoring and management. "PlayCity has the potential not only to streamline the industry, but also to make it an important source of resources for Ukraine's development.

The result of PlayCity's work should be not only a streamlined market, but also significant financial revenues to the state budget. Thanks to effective regulation, the state is expected to receive billions of hryvnias in additional taxes annually. These funds will be used for key needs, including strengthening Ukraine's security and defence.