According to the ministry, the bloggers systematically posted Instagram Stories featuring videos of their purported online casino wins and shared links to gambling websites. The ministry stressed that this activity violates Ukrainian law because gambling advertisements are allowed only on designated platforms and must include a 21+ age restriction.
Ukrainian law also prohibits advertising bonuses, encouraging gambling participation, or promising quick or easy money. At least 15% of any gambling ad must be allocated for warnings about the risks of gambling addiction.
The ministry thanked Meta for its prompt response.
“The law applies equally to all market players, and every offender will be blocked regardless of the number of followers or connections to higher-ups,” the statement said.
In March, the Cabinet established PlayCity to oversee state policy on the gambling industry. All powers previously held by the now-defunct Commission for Regulating Gambling and Lotteries were transferred to PlayCity.