The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Economic Security Bureau (ESBU) are set to investigate information regarding a potential link between the online casino Gorilla and the Parimatch group, as well as the use of its resources to circumvent sanctions. A formal request was submitted to law enforcement agencies by PlayCity, the state agency regulating the gambling market, following a journalistic inquiry. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing PlayCity's response to the Telegraf publication.
Journalistic Investigation and Regulator Inquiry
Media outlets previously published a report on the operations of the Gorilla online casino and potential connections between its technical infrastructure and resources associated with the Parimatch group. The investigation specifically highlighted technical similarities between the platforms and the redirection of users from websites linked to Gorilla to the Parik24 online casino. Following the publication, journalists contacted the Ukrainian State Agency PlayCity to ask whether the agency was aware of these circumstances, whether it planned to inspect the activities of LLC "GORILLABET," and whether it would transfer the relevant materials to law enforcement authorities.
Regulator's Response: Investigation via SBU and ESBU
In its response, PlayCity noted that the information regarding the potential use of LLC "GORILLABET" to circumvent sanctions and organize an illegal gambling business for the Parimatch group through Parik24 resources requires verification. Consequently, the agency requested the SBU and ESBU to investigate the circumstances described by the journalists. PlayCity also requested to be informed of the results of the inspection should any enforcement measures be taken.
Licensing Status of LLC "GORILLABET" and Access Restrictions
Separately, PlayCity reported on its decisions regarding two web resources—gorilla-kliche.co.ua and casinogorilla.co.ua—where, according to the agency, facts were established of providing access to gambling games without the appropriate license. A decision was made to restrict access for both sites. At the same time, PlayCity confirmed that LLC "GORILLABET" holds a license to organize and conduct online casino gambling, issued based on KRAIL decision No. 417 dated August 27, 2024. The agency clarified that the company has not received licenses to provide services in the gambling sector.
Sanctions Context and Next Steps
It is worth recalling that in March 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree imposing sanctions on a number of Russian bookmakers. Several entities of the betting brand associated with the international holding company "Parimatch" were included in the sanctions list. Whether the circumstances cited by journalists regarding the potential link between Gorilla and Parimatch and the evasion of sanctions will be confirmed is to be determined by the competent authorities during an investigation initiated by PlayCity.
