Popular blogger "Simbochka", known for her videos on Instagram, has become the subject of a high-profile scandal. The state agency "PlayCity" fined her 4.8 million hryvnias for illegally advertising an online casino.
As regulators found, the influencer with an audience of millions systematically published content demonstrating gameplay and urging people to register on the gambling platform. Although the account she allegedly created in her videos was staged and not real, this did not exempt her from liability.
PlayCity explained that such actions have the characteristics of manipulative advertising, which creates the illusion of easy winnings among subscribers. Such practices are especially dangerous when promoted by public figures with a large number of fans.
The regulator emphasized that the fine should serve as a signal to other media figures: promoting prohibited products, especially online casinos, will be financially punished.
As a reminder, back in August 2025, at the initiative of PlayCity and the Meta company, the accounts of seven bloggers, including "Simbochka", were blocked. Her page contained direct links to casinos and videos with fictional "easy wins.".
