Telegram Defies Ukrainian Regulator by Failing to Block Gambling Ads

Telegram's Lack of Communication with Regulator

According to Главком: The Ukrainian state agency 'PlayCity' has stated that there is a complete lack of communication with Telegram's representation in Ukraine regarding the blocking of illegal gambling advertisements. To date, Telegram remains the sole major platform that has not responded to the regulator's lawful demands, a situation that has raised significant concerns for 'PlayCity' officials.

How Advertising Works on Telegram

Advertising on the Telegram platform operates through two primary channels:

• Promotional content within channels and via influencers;
• The 'Telegram Ads' system, which allows users to independently launch ad campaigns.

In July 2025, 'PlayCity' fined the Ukrainian Telegram channel 'Trukha Ukraina' 4.8 million hryvnias for promoting illegal casino ads. This channel had systematically advertised gambling, using manipulative phrases like 'won 2100 UAH from 100' and 'a subscriber collected 17 thousand UAH'. The messaging app is a popular communication tool in Ukraine, which complicates enforcement efforts.

Gennadiy Novikov, a representative of 'PlayCity': 'We have established interaction with all other platforms we have managed to establish communication with. The only platform that does not respond to our lawful demands is Telegram. This is precisely why it remains a problematic segment.'

Despite this, Novikov noted that gambling advertising by influencers has decreased substantially, though it has not disappeared entirely. 'Based on our monitoring results and complaints, we see that gambling advertising by influencers has significantly decreased. It may not have vanished completely, but direct promotion has become much less frequent,' he added.

A draft law to regulate the Telegram messenger is currently under consideration in Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada, initiated by MP Mykola Kniazhytskyi. This legislation aims to establish clear rules for advertising on Telegram and strengthen control over illegal activities on the platform.

The situation surrounding gambling ads in Ukraine remains complex, particularly given Telegram's non-compliance with the regulator. The parliamentary review of the draft law could mark a critical step toward resolving this issue, as establishing clear rules would help improve ad oversight and reduce illicit activity on the platform. Telegram's eventual response to these regulatory changes could significantly impact Ukraine's online gambling market.