Ukraine Grants 10 B2B Gambling Licenses and Revokes 7 Others

Ukraine’s gambling regulator, PlayCity, has issued 10 new business-to-business (B2B) gaming licences while revoking seven existing licences as part of an extensive restructuring of the national gambling framework. The regulator confirmed that the newly granted licences pertain exclusively to B2B service provision, signaling a continued effort to streamline market operations and enhance oversight.

This development aligns with the country’s strategic plan to introduce a clearer separation between companies supplying gambling products and services and operators that interact directly with players. By redefining these roles, Ukraine aims to ensure regulatory compliance and improve market transparency, reflecting a model that has been successfully implemented in other European jurisdictions.

Focus on B2B Licensing

PlayCity emphasized that the licensing initiative targeted B2B entities first as part of a broader effort to strengthen supervision and mitigate risks within the sector. B2B companies provide critical services such as gaming software, platforms and support services that enable operators to run their operations.

The decision to focus initially on B2B providers reflects the regulator’s understanding that these companies form the backbone of the gambling ecosystem. By ensuring that B2B entities comply with legal standards, Ukraine can indirectly safeguard the broader gambling market, reduce the likelihood of illegal activity and enhance consumer protection.

PlayCity’s CEO, Hennadiy Novikov, outlined the rationale behind the approach:

“During this short period, we have already issued 10 new licenses for service provision (B2B). At the same time, we reviewed another seven companies, including to verify that they have no ties to Russia. These companies simply did not respond to our inquiries, so we revoked their licenses. The next stage is oversight and inspections of such companies.

In this way, without deviating from our strategic goal of supporting the legal market, we are narrowing the range of products available to illegal operators. This approach is driven by the high risks inherent in the sector, including the possibility of tax optimisation and capital outflows. The regulator seeks to see not individual elements, but the entire ecosystem of the market, ensuring transparency across the supply chain, from software to service providers.”

Revocation of Licenses

Alongside the issuance of new licences, PlayCity revoked seven existing licences due to inactivity and failure to respond to regulatory inquiries. The revocation process was also aimed at identifying any potential ties to Russia, reflecting the regulator’s commitment to market integrity and national security considerations.

Novikov noted that the revocation of licences is part of a methodical review process designed to ensure that only compliant and active companies participate in the regulated market. Companies that failed to cooperate or could not provide the required documentation were excluded from the licensed framework.

This process highlights Ukraine’s proactive regulatory approach, which prioritizes transparency and accountability. By removing inactive or noncompliant entities, PlayCity is seeking to reduce illegal operations and foster a sustainable gambling ecosystem.

Learning from European Models

Ukraine’s regulatory model draws inspiration from the experience of Romania, where B2C operators are prohibited from holding B2B gambling licences. This separation of roles has been recognized in European markets as an effective measure to prevent conflicts of interest, promote market integrity and increase transparency across the supply chain.

By adopting similar measures, Ukraine is positioning itself to align with international standards, attracting reputable providers while discouraging illicit activities. The B2B licensing process now serves as a cornerstone of this strategic transformation, setting the stage for tighter supervision and compliance oversight.

Broader Gambling Market Reforms

The recent licensing update comes amid a period of extensive reform in the Ukrainian gambling sector. These reforms are intended to create a fully regulated, transparent and sustainable market while addressing potential vulnerabilities such as match fixing, money laundering and illegal operations.

In October, Ukraine’s national sports integrity platform signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA). This collaboration strengthens the country’s capacity to detect and prevent match fixing, ensuring that both domestic and international betting markets operate fairly.

Additionally, Ukrainian authorities have announced plans to launch a national gambling self-exclusion register in December 2025. This initiative will allow players to voluntarily restrict their access to gambling services, reflecting a broader commitment to responsible gaming practices and player protection.

Currently, Ukraine’s regulated gambling market includes 34 active gambling licences alongside three licensed lottery operators. The inclusion of these new B2B licences strengthens the foundation of the market, providing a structured ecosystem for legal operators while limiting opportunities for unlicensed activity.

Importance of Oversight and Compliance

The recent developments underscore PlayCity’s ongoing emphasis on oversight and regulatory compliance. As the sector expands, the regulator is placing increasing focus on the following key areas:

• Risk management: Ensuring that B2B companies adhere to strict operational and financial standards to prevent tax evasion and illicit financial flows.
• Market transparency: Monitoring the supply chain from software providers to service operators to maintain a clear view of the ecosystem.
• National security: Screening companies for potential links to geopolitical adversaries to protect national interests.
• Consumer protection: Implementing measures such as self-exclusion tools and responsible gambling frameworks to safeguard players.

By prioritizing these objectives, Ukraine aims to create a balanced and sustainable gambling market that supports economic growth while minimizing risk to consumers and the state.

Outlook for the Ukrainian Market

Looking ahead, Ukraine’s gambling sector is poised for continued transformation. The regulatory focus on B2B licensing and the revocation of noncompliant operators signal a determined effort to strengthen market integrity.

Analysts suggest that the introduction of additional oversight measures, including inspections of newly licensed companies, will reinforce compliance standards and attract international B2B providers seeking stable and transparent markets. The country’s alignment with European best practices may also enhance investor confidence, encouraging further investment in regulated gaming platforms and services.

The combination of B2B licensing reforms, international partnerships and player protection initiatives positions Ukraine to develop a competitive yet responsible gambling industry. By narrowing the presence of illegal operators, the regulator seeks to foster a legal market that benefits consumers, businesses and the national economy.

Conclusion

The issuance of 10 new B2B gambling licences and the revocation of seven others marks a significant milestone in Ukraine’s ongoing market reforms. PlayCity’s actions demonstrate a clear commitment to transparency, market integrity and compliance with international regulatory standards.

Through this approach, Ukraine is taking concrete steps to ensure that the gambling sector operates under a legally robust framework, protecting both operators and players while promoting sustainable growth. As the country continues to refine its regulatory model, the recent B2B licensing initiative is expected to serve as a foundational step toward a fully transparent and well-regulated gambling ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of licenses were issued by PlayCity?
PlayCity issued 10 B2B gambling licenses, focused on companies providing products and services rather than interacting directly with players.

Why were seven licenses revoked?
The licenses were revoked due to inactivity, failure to respond to regulatory inquiries and to verify the absence of ties to Russia.

Who is Hennadiy Novikov?
Hennadiy Novikov is the CEO of PlayCity, Ukraine’s gambling regulator.

How does Ukraine’s B2B model compare to other countries?
Ukraine’s model is similar to Romania’s, where B2C operators are excluded from holding B2B gambling licenses to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure transparency.

What are Ukraine’s plans for responsible gambling?
The country plans to launch a national gambling self-exclusion register in December 2025, allowing players to voluntarily restrict access to gambling services.

How many active gambling licenses exist in Ukraine?
Currently, Ukraine has 34 active gambling licenses and three licensed lottery operators.

What measures are taken to prevent illegal operations?
The regulator monitors compliance, revokes noncooperative licenses and conducts inspections to limit illegal activity and ensure transparency.

Why is B2B licensing important for market integrity?
B2B companies provide essential services to operators. Licensing ensures these entities comply with legal standards, indirectly safeguarding the wider market.

What partnerships support Ukraine’s gambling reforms?
Ukraine’s national sports integrity platform signed an agreement with the International Betting Integrity Association to combat match fixing and enhance integrity.

How does PlayCity ensure national security in licensing?
The regulator screens companies for potential links to Russia or other geopolitical risks to protect market integrity and national interests.