Ukraine’s PlayCity Fines Slots U.A. for Allowing Third-Party Deposits

Sanctions Imposed on Slots U.A.

The inspection identified two violations of gambling legislation. The larger fine, UAH 4,323,500 (about $97,200), relates to the company allowing players’ gaming accounts to be topped up with bank cards belonging to third parties. A further UAH 432,350 (about $9,700) was imposed for failing to comply with PlayCity’s earlier order to remedy the same violation. The total exceeds UAH 4.7 million (about $106,900). US dollar amounts are calculated at the official National Bank of Ukraine rate of 9 July 2026 (UAH 44.4766 per US dollar).

PlayCity head Hennadii Novikov stated that the inspection showed the operator had not eliminated a violation the regulator had previously identified, and that this conflicts with the Law of Ukraine “On State Regulation of Activities Related to the Organisation and Conduct of Gambling”. PlayCity said it would continue systematic monitoring of licensed operators and respond to violations when they are identified.

Previous Penalties

The sanctions follow earlier enforcement measures against Slots U.A. In March 2026, PlayCity imposed sanctions totalling UAH 4.32 million on the company for violations of licence conditions; the operator remedied some of them during the inspection, and an order was issued requiring the others to be remedied within a set period. In May 2026, the regulator fined the company more than UAH 432,000 for failing to provide requested information on time (Kyiv Post). PlayCity reiterated that operators must provide information promptly and in full, as this is a basic condition of transparent operation and effective state supervision.

Regulatory Context

PlayCity began operating in 2025 as Ukraine’s state gambling regulator, replacing the previous regulator, KRAIL (Buhgalter 911, 3 June 2025). Its measures include an online form on its website for reporting illegal gambling advertising and cooperation with YouTube to block gambling advertising that violates Ukrainian law.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation has presented a draft Strategy to minimise the negative impact of gambling and combat gambling addiction through 2035, with public discussion open until 18 May 2026 (Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine).

Restrictions on participation in gambling can be requested by individuals themselves, and by first-degree family members or legal representatives (Supreme Court of Ukraine).