Gambling licenses now through 'Diia': how the new procedure works

New procedure for submitting applications for gambling licenses

According to Главком: The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the procedure for submitting applications for gambling licenses through the 'Diia' portal. This innovation will allow companies to submit applications online without the need to provide paper documents, simplifying the licensing process for the gambling business.

According to the new rules, applications for obtaining a license can be formed in the electronic cabinet on the 'Diia' portal. A Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) will be required to sign the document. The applications will be reviewed by an organization called PlayCity. Licenses can be obtained for various activities, including:

• casinos (both offline and online)
• bookmaking activities
• gaming machine halls
• online poker

It is important to note that over the past six months, PlayCity has fined 14 bloggers, websites, and media outlets a total of 67.2 million UAH. Among those fined is blogger Anna Alhим, who was fined for promoting casinos on her Instagram accounts. Unpaid fines will be sent to the enforcement service for compulsory collection.

Prospects of the innovation

Thus, the new procedure for submitting applications for gambling licenses through 'Diia' promises to simplify and modernize the process while enhancing control over compliance with legislation in this area.

This step reflects the efforts of the Ukrainian government to digitalize administrative processes and ensure transparency in the field of gambling.

The introduction of online application submissions may positively impact the development of a legal gambling business in the country, reducing corruption risks and simplifying access to licensing. Strengthened control by PlayCity also indicates the state's intention to combat violations in this area, which may positively affect the reputation of legal gambling operators.