Introducing the State Online Monitoring System (SOMS)
The Ukrainian government has approved a resolution to deploy a State Online Monitoring System (SOMS). This new system will enable authorities to oversee the legal gambling industry in real time. Its phased implementation is designed to create a more effective regulatory framework for gambling across the nation.
System Launch Phases
The initial phase of the system's launch will focus on recording core financial transactions, including:
- Bets placed
- Prize payouts
- Fund withdrawals
- Player account deposits
This data will form the foundation for future market oversight. Licensed gambling operators have been given a six-month period to integrate their systems technically, ensuring the platform is operational from the moment it goes live.
A second phase, scheduled for 2026, will expand monitoring to include slot machines, track gaming substitutes for currency like chips and points, and oversee responsible gambling measures. This stage is intended to provide Ukraine with a comprehensive tool to bring the gambling sector fully into the legal economy.
Effective regulation, forecasting budget revenues, and evaluating responsible gaming policies are all impossible without access to high-quality, verified, and regular data.
Natalia Denikeieva
Hennadii Novikov emphasized that 'SOMS is a highly sophisticated IT product designed to collect and process millions of data points in real time.'
The launch of this online gambling monitoring system represents a significant step toward ensuring transparency and control in the sector. Similar systems are already operational in countries like Germany and Romania, demonstrating the viability of such initiatives. This move is part of a broader effort to regulate the gambling market, which was legalized in Ukraine in 2020.
The implementation of the State Online Monitoring System (SOMS) in Ukraine aims to significantly improve oversight of the legal gambling business. This enhanced control is expected to increase state budget revenues from licensed operators, reduce risks associated with illegal gambling, and promote player responsibility through activity monitoring. Leveraging the experience of other nations, such as Germany and Romania, will be crucial for the successful execution of this project.