Ukraine: Real-Time Gambling Oversight Begins as SOMS Pilot Goes Live

The state agency PlayCity has officially launched the pilot phase of SOMS, a next-generation monitoring system set to redefine gambling market oversight. Moving beyond traditional delayed reporting, the platform enables authorities to track every transaction in real time. Two operators are already connected, with full coverage of the licensed market expected in the near future.

Designed with a blockchain-like architecture, SOMS records each bet, payout, and refund as an individual entry with a unique identifier. Built on ACID principles, the system ensures data integrity and prevents any alteration or deletion of records. This gives tax authorities direct access to primary transaction data, allowing for precise calculation of gross gaming revenue (GGR) and eliminating uncertainty around reported figures.

From a technological standpoint, the platform leverages API integration to automate data exchange, supported by a fail-safe storage system that guarantees continuity. The upcoming second phase will expand its capabilities to include monitoring of gaming machine parameters, random number generators, and alternative payment methods. A tender process for this phase is expected to begin shortly, backed by funding approved through a Cabinet of Ministers resolution.

Alongside SOMS, enforcement efforts against the illegal gambling sector remain active. Authorities have blocked 3,500 unlicensed websites and shut down more than 500 social media pages, while maintaining ongoing cooperation with major tech platforms such as Google, Meta, and TikTok. By combining enforcement with real-time data insights, the system allows regulators not only to monitor the legal market but also to detect behavioral anomalies and assess the effectiveness of regulatory measures.

SOMS marks a broader shift from reactive oversight to a proactive regulatory model. By standardizing operator requirements and enhancing tax predictability, the system aims to create a safer and more transparent environment for all market participants. Continued progress will depend on aligning technological innovation with a clear and consistent regulatory framework, including harmonized tax policies and terminology in line with global standards. Ultimately, SOMS positions transparency as a key driver of competitiveness and long-term investment in the gambling industry.