Key points
- PlayCity fined bloggers and media outlets ₴67.2 million for illegal gambling advertising.
- The violations involved promoting casinos, bonuses, and displaying gaming interfaces.
- Among those fined were influencers with large audiences and well-known media outlets.
- Violators have three months to voluntarily pay the fine or appeal.
- Gambling advertising in Ukraine is strictly regulated to protect young people.
Over the past six months, PlayCity has fined 14 bloggers, media outlets, and online resources a total of ₴67.2 million for violating gambling advertising rules. During monitoring, content was found that violated legal requirements and contained signs of manipulative formats.
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Ukrainian legislation clearly defines when gambling advertising is permitted. It may only appear from licensed organizers, in media specified by law, with a clear age restriction of 21+ and a warning about responsible gaming. Any material that shows the game interface, flaunts winnings, offers bonuses, masquerades as personal experience, or promotes illegal brands is prohibited.
Recent cases include fines imposed on bloggers Kolya Zalipus and Anna Alhim, who posted casino advertisements on their Instagram accounts. Each of them has over half a million followers, which significantly increases the impact of such content.
Violators must pay a fine of ₴4.8 million or appeal it within three months. After the deadline, the materials will be transferred to the enforcement service for compulsory collection. Previously, sanctions were applied to influencers Simbochka, Rusalochka XL, and the Telegram channel “Truha Ukraine.”
PlayCity emphasizes that reducing the volume of illegal advertising is a priority, as its impact on young people remains critical.
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