Croatia the Latest Country to Overhaul Gambling Regulations

Article by : Erik Gibbs Jul 15, 2024

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In a move aimed at curbing gambling addiction and protecting vulnerable populations, Croatia’s government is proposing a significant overhaul of the country’s gambling laws. This initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and his newly formed cabinet, comes in response to growing concerns from local leaders and rising public anxiety about the easy accessibility of gambling, particularly online.

The current gambling regulations, established in 2009 and updated in 2015, are seen as outdated and inadequate to address the evolving landscape of gambling, especially the digital explosion. The lack of substantial reforms has also drawn criticism towards the government, particularly for neglecting the issue of gambling addiction, which reportedly affects over 40,000 Croatians.

Plenković’s proposed decree targets several key areas for reform. A central focus lies on stricter advertising regulations. Public spaces and printed media will be off-limits for gambling advertisements, while stricter controls will be imposed on TV, radio, and online platforms. Television ads will be banned during prime time hours, with exceptions for live sporting events. Online promotions that entice players with bonuses and free bets will also be prohibited.

Additionally, the proposals aim to strengthen protections for minors. While Croatia’s national lottery, Hrvatska Lutrija, is categorized as “low-risk,” most other forms of gambling will be strictly off-limits to anyone under 18. Land-based casinos will be required to implement stricter identification procedures for all players, and any form of promotion outside their establishments will be forbidden.

A crucial element of the reform is the introduction of a self-exclusion program. This program, managed by the Croatian Institute of Public Health, will allow individuals struggling with gambling addiction, their families, doctors, and social workers to register for self-exclusion. This register will effectively bar the listed individuals from participating in any legal gambling activities in Croatia for an indefinite period. The establishment of this program is expected by 2026.

The government is also taking a tougher stance on enforcing regulations. Gambling operators who repeatedly violate the new rules face disqualification and potential license revocation. Furthermore, Croatian banks will be required to block payments to any unlicensed or blacklisted gambling websites.

Finance Minister Marko Primorac emphasized the importance of these reforms in reducing the negative impacts of gambling addiction on individuals and society at large. He highlighted the proposed measures’ aim to limit the reach and appeal of gambling, ultimately leading to a decrease in participation and associated problems.

Prime Minister Plenković views this comprehensive gambling reform as a cornerstone of his third term in office. With the support of his coalition partner, the Croatia DP party, Plenković hopes to implement these changes and usher in a new era of stricter regulations and responsible gambling practices in Croatia.