Novikov Leaves PlayCity: What Will Happen to the Gambling Industry Reform?
17 July 01:11
Gennady Novikov,head of the state agency PlayCity, has announced his resignation. He announced his decision on Facebook, where he summarized the team’s work and assessed the results of the reform of state regulation of the gambling industry, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
“I am stepping down with the feeling that we have laid the right foundation. I am also making this decision in good conscience—as I believe is right for the institution, the team, and the state,” Novikov wrote.
What PlayCity Has Accomplished
According to Novikov, in a short period of time, the agency managed to almost completely overhaul the system of interaction between the state and the gambling market.
Among its key achievements, he cited:
- the launch of the state agency PlayCity;
- the formation of a new team;
- updating internal operational processes;
- the creation of a new model for regulating the gambling industry;
- establishing cooperation with gambling operators;
- reforming cooperation with state lottery operators;
- improving coordination among government agencies.
According to him, many decisions had to be made amid a lack of resources, a shortage of personnel, and high public demand for reform.
Novikov emphasized that the agency has already become a fully-fledged state institution that influences the development of the legal gambling market.
“PlayCity has already become an institution that is truly transforming the industry—in the interests of the state, society, and fair play,” he noted.
At the same time, the official stressed that the reform is not yet complete.
The new head must maintain the pace of reforms
Gennady Novikov expressed hope that his successor will not halt the changes that have been set in motion.
“There is still a lot of work ahead. It is important that the next head does not lose this momentum for reform,” he stressed.
It has not yet been officially announced who will head the PlayCity state agency following his resignation.
What PlayCity Does
The state agency PlayCity is responsible for implementing state policy regarding the organization and conduct of gambling and state lotteries.
Its activities are aimed at:
- developing a transparent gambling market;
- monitoring the activities of operators;
- cooperating with government agencies;
- improving regulatory policy;
- combating the illegal gambling industry.
It is expected that, following the appointment of a new head, the agency will continue to implement the reforms already underway.
