Ukraine will begin implementing the State Online Monitoring System (SOM), a new government tool to oversee gambling licences during wartime, PlayCity announced. The first phase is set to launch at the end of 2025, followed by the second phase in December 2026.
PlayCity, the newly established national gambling regulator, has been tasked with managing SOM to ensure market transparency and protect it from corruption and Russian interference.
The development of SOM was first announced in August 2025. In September, PlayCity signed a contract with Computer Information Technologies LLC to build the first phase of the system at a cost of UAH 26 million (approx. €610,000).
PlayCity confirmed that SOM will be introduced in two stages. The first, currently in development, is scheduled to go live by the end of 2025. It will give the regulator access to operator data, including tracking player activity such as fund transfers, token purchases and usage, winnings, and unique player identifiers. The information will be transmitted in real time via API, stored in a depersonalised form, and centralised.
“Today, the team begins working on the creation of the State Online Monitoring System. The first phase of the project is planned for launch in December. This will ensure effective oversight of operators, reduce unfair practices, and strengthen player rights,” said PlayCity’s Secretary General, Hennadiy Novikov.
The second phase, set for December 2026, will turn the platform into a fully functional state monitoring system covering the entire Ukrainian market – both online and land-based.
The SOM project is a cornerstone of Ukraine’s gambling reform. Earlier, the government dissolved the former regulator, KRAIL, following corruption scandals and allegations of Russian influence. It was replaced by PlayCity, created by decree of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which began operating in April under the supervision of Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
The new agency has been tasked with tightening oversight, restoring public trust, and implementing measures such as a ban on gambling advertising, a new B2B licensing register, and expanded powers to block unlicensed websites.
The rollout of SOM comes amid growing concerns about the scale of the gambling market. The National Bank of Ukraine has stated that citizens spend nearly UAH 400 million (€8 million) daily on online platforms, raising questions about affordability and gambling addiction during wartime.
Meanwhile, operators are calling for clarity on licensing and regulatory rules. Several companies have faced licence suspensions, frozen accounts, and investigations by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Industry representatives are urging policymakers to resolve legal ambiguities and establish a stable framework to support long-term recovery.
The Ukrainian government continues to classify gambling as a high-risk business sector, requiring strict oversight of customers, transactions, and licence holders to safeguard the market against abuse, financial crime, and external interference.
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