“PlayCity launches online gambling monitoring system: will it help to bring billions out of the shadows?
23 September 2025 22:41
The gambling market in Ukraine is one of the most problematic in terms of transparency. Despite the legalization of the gambling business in 2020, the state loses up to UAH 20 billion annually due to tax evasion schemes. The new tool – the state online monitoring system (SOMS) – should be a step towards restoring order and control over financial flows in the sector. This was reported by the agency’s press service, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
What happened
The state agency PlayCity signed an agreement with Computer Information Technologies LLC, which won an open tender for the creation of the SIS.
The developer has experience in govtech projects, including the implementation of Liquio, e-Consul,andKyiv Digitalplatforms.
The first stage of the system is expected to be launched by the end of the year.
How the system will work
The ASMS should become a single state instrument for
- controlling financial transactions of gambling business operators;
- detecting tax evasion schemes;
- collecting data for transparent reporting.
The system is supposed to automatically track the activities of online casinos, slot machine halls, and betting shops in real time.
Why it is important
According to PlayCity, in 2025 alone, the budget has already lost UAH 10.2 billion in taxes from the gambling market. This is half of the average annual losses.
The introduction of the state-owned gambling system is seen as a way to stop shadow schemes and ensure budget revenues.
Next steps
- launch of the first stage of the system by the end of 2025;
- gradual expansion of the system’s functionality in 2026;
- integration with other state databases.
“PlayCity expects that the full launch will significantly reduce state losses from the shadow gambling business.
