Head of practice
Head of Corporate Law and Fintech Practice. Expert in the creation and reorganization of companies, support of M&A transactions, as well as legal support for opening and running a business in the EU, Asia, and North America.
License for gambling equipment
A gaming equipment license in Ukraine is not a formal “piece of paper” for conducting business, but a legal basis for legal participation in the gaming market. In the context of ongoing reforms and increased attention from the state regulator — the State Agency for Control of Gambling and Lottery Business (Play City) — obtaining and maintaining such a license is becoming a key condition for manufacturers, suppliers and operators of gaming equipment.
Regulatory changes: Play City instead of KRAL
In 2025, the final transfer of functions for licensing and control of gambling activities at the state regulator level from the former KRAL to Play City took place. This body is responsible for:
- issuing licenses for gaming equipment,
- checking the compliance of equipment with technical requirements,
- controlling compliance with security standards,
- monitoring suppliers and business entities.
What is a gaming equipment license?
A gaming equipment license is a permit from a state regulator that grants the right to:
- manufacture, import or supply gaming equipment;
- connect equipment to gaming networks;
- maintain and upgrade automated systems;
- provide technical support to casino and gaming hall operators.
This document is mandatory if a company wants to operate slot machines, roulette wheels, software platforms or other devices used in gambling.
Requirements for equipment and suppliers
Play City sets a number of requirements for equipment submitted for licensing:
- compliance with technical standards;
- availability of certification in accordance with the requirements of Ukrainian legislation;
- reliability and security from a technical point of view;
- ability to connect to monitoring and accounting systems;
- absence of components that can be used for fraud.
The equipment supplier must:
- legally prepare the company for interaction with the regulator;
- provide a full technical description, certificates and test protocols;
- prove compliance with data protection standards and AML/KYC (if the equipment interacts with payment or identification systems);
- collect a package of documents on the corporate structure and financial capacity.
License obtaining procedure
The process of obtaining a license for gaming equipment includes several stages. The legal package includes:
- company’s statutory documents;
- equipment description and technical specifications;
- certificates of conformity;
- compliance policies;
- confirmation of the origin of the equipment;
- agreements with developers or manufacturers.
After preparation, the package is submitted to Play City, where it undergoes a formal and expert assessment. The regulator checks the equipment’s compliance with technical requirements, compliance and the documentary part. Within the period established by the regulator, the company receives approval, refusal or comments on the finalization.
Legal activity with licensed equipment gives the supplier:
- legal protection and access to large operators;
- the ability to enter into direct contracts with casinos and gaming halls;
- access to state monitoring systems;
- reduced risks of fines and termination of activity;
- the ability to export equipment outside of Ukraine.
In addition, licensed equipment is usually better accepted by international partners and payment providers, which is important for the FinTech and iGaming segments.
Risks without a license
Attempting to operate without an appropriate license or with unapproved equipment entails serious consequences:
- administrative fines;
- confiscation of equipment;
- prohibition of activity;
- problems with banking services;
- reputational risks for the company and its managers.
The law firm “Prikhodko and Partners” has deep expertise in international corporate law, FinTech and gambling regulation. We not only advise, but also support the entire process of obtaining a license for gaming equipment on a turnkey basis.
Legal audit and preparation of the company
We conduct an in-depth audit of the corporate structure, finances and compliance to make sure that the company is ready to interact with the regulator.
Preparation of a full package of documents
Our lawyers prepare:
- technical description and certification documentation;
- contractual model;
- compliance policies (including AML/KYC, Data Protection);
- explanatory memoranda for Play City.
Submission support and communication with the regulator
We take care of communication with Play City, including responses to inquiries, comments and additional requirements.
Post-license compliance
Obtaining a license is just the beginning. “Prikhodko and Partners” provides:
- regular compliance audit;
- adaptation of policies to changes in legislation;
- support during inspections and interactions with controllers.
A gaming equipment license in Ukraine is not just a legal permit. It is access to the right markets, partners and opportunities in industries with high requirements for security, responsibility and compliance.
Play City’s regulatory practice in 2025 shows that preparation should be systematic, not fragmentary – and most often the decision is made based on the quality of documents and legal support.
The Prikhodko & Partners team regularly supports such projects, minimizes the risks of failures, and ensures a successful outcome for equipment suppliers who seek to operate in the transparent, legal, and promising Ukrainian market.
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Have you received a license to conduct gambling activities before?
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Have you obtained a gaming equipment license of any kind before this?
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