PlayCity Imposes Record UAH 5.2m Fine on Influencer Waldemar De Salo for Illegal Gambling Promotion
TL;DR — PlayCity issued a record UAH 5.2m fine to Waldemar De Salo for disguised gambling ads on Telegram, YouTube, Kick and TikTok without required warnings. The action supports Ukraine’s State Policy Strategy through 2035 for harm reduction. National surveys show low participation with 84% non-gamblers and 5% annual play rate.
SCCG Take — The penalty demonstrates expanded enforcement reach to influencers via security service cooperation, strengthening the licensed market by limiting unlicensed promotion channels.
The Ukrainian state gambling regulator PlayCity has imposed a record fine of UAH 5.2m (close to €101,000) on influencer Waldemar De Salo for illegal gambling promotion. PlayCity determined the blogger promoted gambling on Telegram, YouTube, Kick and TikTok. The content disguised advertising within regular material, omitted mandatory warnings on addiction risks and licence details, and raised concerns over access by audiences under 21.
Documented Violations and Identification Process
“Several violations of the law were documented,” the agency stated. De Salo’s identity was established through cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine’s office in the Khmelnytskyi region, as reported by Focus Gaming News. The sanction forms part of a wider plan to address unlicensed gambling, curb related advertising, and improve awareness along with support for affected gamblers.
Alignment with the 2035 National Gambling Strategy
The Cabinet of Ministers recently approved the State Policy Strategy for the Organisation and Conduct of Gambling through 2035. The framework includes nationwide awareness campaigns on gambling risks, classes in schools on addiction dangers, and a focus on detecting early warning signs. The government has also announced a tender for a system to prevent military personnel from gambling.
The first Ukraine National Gambling Impact Survey found 84 per cent of respondents are not gamblers. One in three do not know anyone who gambles. Only 5 per cent had gambled in the past year and 2 per cent in the last month. A separate survey indicates the majority of gamblers choose licensed online casinos in Ukraine. This enforcement step signals sustained regulatory priority on compliance across social media channels.
Reporting: Focus Gaming News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
PlayCity is proving influencer marketing isn't a gray zone — disguised ads now carry six-figure fines and security service scrutiny.
We've watched Ukraine build a serious regulated market since licensing launched, and this changes the playbook. Operators relying on influencer reach need compliant pathways or they're funding someone else's fine. For licensed operators, it's a competitive edge — enforcement is finally leveling the field against unlicensed promotion.
- €101K fine on Waldemar De Salo for disguised gambling ads across Telegram, YouTube, Kick, TikTok
- Security Service cooperation enabled identification — enforcement now crosses digital and state intelligence
- Supports Ukraine's 2035 Strategy: harm reduction, school programs, military gambling prevention system
SCCG angle: SCCG works with operators entering and scaling in regulated markets like Ukraine. We connect you to compliant affiliate and media partners who understand local enforcement, and we help design influencer programs that meet disclosure standards from day one — so your marketing budget builds brand, not regulatory liability.
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