Eastern Europe
Anticipating Gambling Legalisation in Ukraine, Hilton Kyiv Plans to Open 2 Casinos
Hospitality giant Hilton has announced its plans to open two casinos on the premises of its Kyiv hotel, anticipating gambling legalisation in Ukraine.
The co-owner of the hotel’s Ukrainian branch, who has also co-founded the 1+1 Media Group, Boris Fuchsman, plans to invest $30 million in the project.
The project’s start date remains unknown amid ongoing efforts to legalise gambling in hotels.
A draft bill legalising gambling in hotels has to undergo a few more steps before it comes into effect: while it was passed in the first reading on January 16, parliament still has to vote for it in the second reading before Ukraine’s president signs it.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has pushed for legalising gambling in Ukraine: he ordered a new gambling bill in September 2019 and supported it in December when parliament votes for it in the first reading. As a result, 260 lawmakers voted for the draft law.
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk echoed Zelensky’s support for the bill. The easiest way to eliminate the vast network of underground illegal gambling spots would be to legalise the activity, which could also bring over $120 million in tax revenues to the state budget, Honcharuk said during a briefing in November 2019.
Meanwhile, the head of the parliament’s committee on finance, taxation and customs policy, Danylo Hetmantsev estimates the tax revenue could be as high a $190 million.
According to the draft, casinos will be only be permitted in five-star hotels in designated tourist areas.
The government’s ambition is to ensure that “gambling will be conducted exclusively on the territory of hotels” while removing “gambling halls and slot machines from streets,” Honcharuk said.
In Kyiv, only hotels with more than 200 rooms will be eligible, while in smaller cities such as Odesa, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Lviv, hotels will be allowed to install casinos if they have at least 120 rooms.
Compliance Updates
Ukraine Launches Online Portal for Gambling Licence Applications
Businesses can now obtain licenses for organising and conducting gambling activities online through the Diia portal, without paper documents or in-person interaction with the state, according to a statement by PlayCity, the state agency regulating Ukraine’s gambling and lottery market.
According to the release, applications can be generated in the Diia electronic cabinet and signed using a qualified electronic signature (QES). Some data will be automatically retrieved from state registries, including information about the company, its owners and beneficiaries.
PlayCity will review submitted applications, and applicants will receive decisions on license issuance or refusal online via Diia.
Companies will be able to apply for licenses covering casino operations, bookmaking, slot machine halls, online poker, as well as B2B services in the gambling sector.
Acting Minister of Digital Transformation Oleksandr Borniakov said on Telegram that the ministry, together with PlayCity, has also prepared amendments to sector-specific legislation aimed at strengthening entry checks for companies in terms of reputation, integrity, ownership structure and absence of ties to the aggressor state.
“Our goal is to create a transparent and controlled market in which digital tools ensure both convenience for businesses and trust in the state,” Borniakov said.
The post Ukraine Launches Online Portal for Gambling Licence Applications appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Best Slot Developer
Amusnet Named Best Slot Developer at GamingTECH Awards 2026
Amusnet has been awarded the title of Best Slot Developer at the GamingTECH Awards 2026, marking a notable acknowledgment of the company’s innovative and technical prowess. Unveiled on March 25th in Prague at the 10th-anniversary edition of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, this recognition emphasizes the influence of the company’s varied, high-achieving slot collection throughout Central and Eastern European markets.
This accolade highlights the organization’s capacity to provide a diverse array of titles that satisfy the changing needs of both operators and players. By prioritizing technical dependability, dynamic animations, and captivating features, Amusnet has positioned itself as a key partner in the area.
“We are truly honoured to receive the Best Slot Developer award,” commented Julia Peeva-Sertov, CEO & Director at Amusnet Gaming, Malta. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and our commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences for players. Empowering our partners continues to inspire us to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in the industry.”
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit united industry leaders and top executives to explore the connection between gaming, AI, and fintech. During the event, representatives from Amusnet Gaming participated in strategic networking and high-level discussions within the industry, enhancing connections with partners in the CEE area. Winning this title at a milestone anniversary occasion reinforces the company’s position as an innovative leader in the digital entertainment industry.
The post Amusnet Named Best Slot Developer at GamingTECH Awards 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
GLI Becomes First International Gaming Lab to be Accredited in Ukraine
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has become the first international gaming lab to be accredited in Ukraine.
GLI Europe B.V. was appointed by Ukrainian regulatory authority, PlayCity, as both a testing/certification and inspection body for gambling equipment in the country and is currently the only foreign entity to be accredited.
GLI Europe B.V. will perform testing and certification of all gaming related hardware and software in accordance with the requirements of PlayCity and the Ukrainian gaming regulatory framework. GLI will deliver all Ukrainian certification services through its European operational hub, GLI Europe B.V., ensuring certification is conducted under GLI’s ISO/IEC 17025, 17020, and 17065 accreditations.
The company will work with both foreign and Ukrainian suppliers, whereas Ukraine is considered a regulated market, and suppliers will need to hold a certificate of approval from PlayCity in order to request certification for the market.
“We are grateful for the trust PlayCity has placed in GLI. At GLI, we work with regulators in more than 710 jurisdictions, and we will bring our global expertise to PlayCity and to suppliers who wish to enter the Ukrainian market, guaranteeing the highest levels of testing quality and compliance,” said James Boje, Managing Director, EMEIA.
The post GLI Becomes First International Gaming Lab to be Accredited in Ukraine appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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