Parliamentary Committee Recommends Personnel Decisions Over Delayed Launch of Online Gambling Monitoring System
The Finance, Taxation, and Customs Policy Committee of Ukraine's Parliament has made a significant decision regarding the operations of the State Agency for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, PlayCity, amid concerns over its performance.
During its meeting on Tuesday, October 24, the Finance, Taxation, and Customs Policy Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine reached a critical decision related to the activities of the State Agency for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, known as PlayCity. The committee recommended that Parliament review information from the Accounting Chamber regarding the inadequate implementation of recommendations provided to this agency following an audit.
Committee Chairman Danilo Hetmantsev highlighted in a message on the social media platform Telegram that among the committee's other significant recommendations is the recognition of the unsatisfactory performance of Acting Minister of Digital Transformation Oleksandr Boryakov, as well as the head of PlayCity, Hennadii Novikov. This dissatisfaction stems from their untimely response to the implementation of the state online monitoring system, which is critically important for overseeing activities in the gambling sector.
Hetmantsev emphasized that the committee also advises the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to consider the outlined circumstances and, based on this review, make appropriate personnel decisions. He expressed confidence that such decisions would be made promptly, as the situation requires urgent action.
This situation has arisen against a backdrop of criticism that Hetmantsev has directed towards the operations of PlayCity, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and its former head Mykhailo Fedorov, who currently serves as Ukraine's Minister of Defense. Hetmantsev has repeatedly stressed that following the transfer of state policy in the gambling sector under the coordination of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the situation in the market has become concerning due to a lack of proper oversight and organization.
In response to these accusations, representatives from PlayCity and the Ministry of Digital Transformation deny any wrongdoing. They assert that they are actively working to restore order in the gambling market following the dissolution of the Gambling and Lottery Regulation Commission. However, despite these assurances, the situation remains tense, and members of the Verkhovna Rada continue to emphasize the need for urgent actions to improve oversight in this area.
Thus, the committee's recommendations could serve as a catalyst for changes in the leadership of key institutions responsible for gambling regulation in Ukraine. This issue is of great importance for ensuring transparency and legality in the sector, as well as for protecting consumer rights and preventing potential abuses.