The state agency PlayCity, which implements state policy in the field of gambling and lotteries, has begun official cooperation with video hosting YouTube to block gambling advertising that violates Ukrainian law. This has already led to the closure of specialized channels and the removal of content with a large reach.
The state agency PlayCity, which implements state policy in the field of gambling and lotteries, has begun official cooperation with video hosting YouTube to block gambling advertising that violates Ukrainian law. This has already led to the closure of specialized channels and the removal of content with a large reach.
The first results of the interaction have already led to the closure of profile channels and the removal of content with a large reach. This became known from a message on the PlayCity Telegram channel.
According to the agency, in the first stage, a YouTube channel with over 3,000 subscribers and specializing in promoting gambling was blocked. A video with illegal advertising of online casinos was also removed from a channel with an audience of over 133,000 users.
«We continue systematic work on cleaning the information space from illegal gambling advertising,» the state agency notes.
According to analytical reports for 2025–2026, the illegal segment of the gaming business in Ukraine continues to control a significant share of the market. YouTube remains one of the key platforms for attracting traffic due to the complexity of moderating Ukrainian-language content in real time.
According to research, the volume of the illegal gambling market is estimated at UAH 37 to 66 billion per year. A significant part of this traffic is generated through video hosting and social networks. In January 2026 alone, PlayCity, together with the Ministry of Digital Affairs, blocked 80 TikTok accounts and initiated procedures to restrict access to a number of YouTube channels .
Recall that 13 bloggers and media outlets have received fines for advertising online casinos from the PlayCity State Agency since the summer of 2025. As of January 2026, not a single fine has been paid yet, but some have been transferred for enforcement, and some are being appealed in court.
