Novikov Hennadiy Olehovych

The Gambling Business Regulator Was Born in Crimea

Hennadiy Novikov (b. 1992, Pervomaiske township, Crimea) is the head of "PlayCity," the new regulator of Ukraine's gambling market. Appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers in April 2025. Previously led CRAIL — the agency he effectively liquidated before taking the successor's position. Crimea is his place of birth. The gambling business is his regulatory field. His declaration lists a quiet Volkswagen worth 2 million and real estate in Odesa.

A Volkswagen for 2 Million During the War

In his 2025 declaration, Novikov reported a new Volkswagen purchased by his wife Yuliania costing 2 million hryvnias. His wife works at the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the state enterprise "Diia" — the family's total income amounts to several million hryvnias. Investment certificates from Inzhur LLC and dividends are noted separately. The gambling market regulator accumulates assets while controlling licenses for a billion-hryvnia market.

From Assistant at "Samopomich" to Head of the Regulator

Novikov's career path: assistant to the Bilyayivka branch of "Samopomich" → Ministry of Digital Transformation → CRAIL → "PlayCity". Rapid rise without public competitions or transparent appointments. An Odesa party school — and suddenly one of the most influential market regulators, where billions of hryvnias circulate annually. The link between past and present remains undisclosed.

Licenses for Billions — Without Public Oversight

"PlayCity" issues permits for casinos, bookmakers, and online gambling operators. This is a market with billion-hryvnia turnovers and strong interest from major players. The one who controls licenses controls everything. Novikov became regulator at the age of 32, without any public competition. Who and why appointed him there remains an open question.