Ukraine launches online tool to screen for gambling addiction — test, help contacts and self-exclusion
A "Combating Gambling Addiction" section has appeared on the PlayCity website: a quick self-check, addresses of support centers, and an access-blocking mechanism for 6 months to 3 years — an important step in protecting family budgets and mental health.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
March 18, 2026 · 2 min read
What happened
The Ministry of Digital Transformation reports that a section called «Combating Gambling Addiction» has appeared on the PlayCity website, where users can take a risk test for gambling addiction, find contacts for medical institutions and support centers, and also submit an application for self-exclusion from gambling.
“A section has been opened on the PlayCity website for assessing the risks of gambling addiction and obtaining help, including an option for temporarily blocking access to gambling”
— Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine
How it works
Users can take an online test that provides an orientation of low, elevated, or high risk of addiction. A contact database has been added — hotline numbers, addresses of clinics and psychological support centers. In addition, a self-exclusion feature is available: blocking access for a period from 6 months to 3 years.
Why this matters
Gambling addiction often leads to financial losses, family stress, and deterioration of mental health. According to official data, more than 13,500 Ukrainians are already listed in the registry of people with gambling addiction — another indication that the support system must work in practice, not just on paper.
In 2025 the authorities plan to invest about UAH 30 million in an online monitoring system for gambling, and in August 2025 a platform was launched to detect and block illegal casinos. This is part of a broader strategy: combining prevention, technical restrictions, and the work of support services.
What’s next
The tool on PlayCity is a useful step, but its effectiveness depends on three factors: how quickly people find and use the section, how accessible support services will be in the regions, and whether the technical blocking mechanism will work together with the legislative framework. In the short term, it’s a way to reduce risks to household budgets; in the long term, it’s part of a set of measures to reduce the harm from gambling amid the country’s digital transformation.
Useful advice: if the test shows an elevated risk, use the self-exclusion option and contact local support services — it’s a simple and practical first step to protect yourself and your loved ones.
