This week, Croatia launched its National Self-Exclusion Register, managed by the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ), marking the onset of significant gambling reforms aimed at minimizing gambling-related harm. The Ministry of Finance has been tasked to ensure that all licensed gambling operators in the country are connected to this register by January 1, 2026.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković declared these changes as the advent of a “new system of coordination” that seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of gambling while enhancing regulatory oversight. This initiative underscores a shift towards adopting a public health approach to gambling, compelling all gambling venues, including casinos, arcades, and betting shops, to implement electronic ID checks tied to the Registar Igrača database. This system requires staff to authenticate players’ identities and cross-check against the exclusion list prior to their participation.
In a bid to further control gambling exposure, the Ministry of Finance has confirmed that self-service betting terminals, or kladomati, will be phased out from public spaces like cafes and bars by late 2025. Additionally, the implementation of strict advertising regulations prohibits external signage and promotional content in public spaces, all part of an effort to prevent the normalization of gambling in family-friendly and youth-centric areas.
Tereza Rogić Lugarić, the State Secretary, emphasized that these reforms are pivotal in restoring equilibrium by ensuring gambling activities in Croatia are conducted with utmost transparency and responsibility, reflecting a genuine commitment to public welfare. She described the initiative as a “turning point” in national policy.
Research conducted by HZJZ has spotlighted a troubling surge in gambling activities among Croatia’s youth, with approximately 73% of high school students having gambled at least once, and 13% exhibiting problematic behavior, predominantly among young males. Plenković has not minced words, labeling this trend as a “public-health crisis” impacting over 40,000 Croatians. He asserts that these reforms will effectively bring gambling addiction “under control” through stringent regulations and enhanced social protections.
The second phase of reforms, scheduled for January 2026, will introduce a nationwide ban on gambling advertisements between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., establish a new tiered tax structure on player winnings, and increase annual licensing fees for operators. However, the reforms have not been universally welcomed. The Croatian Association of Gambling Operators (HUBPS) has expressed concerns, suggesting that the changes could jeopardize up to 15,000 jobs, particularly affecting smaller local businesses.
On the international front, the European Gaming and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT) has sought the European Commission’s intervention, arguing that Croatia’s reforms may have ramifications for the broader EU market, and criticizing the lack of communication with Brussels.
As the first Balkan nation to integrate public health, financial controls, and gambling regulations into a cohesive national system, Croatia is pioneering a model of socially responsible regulation. The Ministry of Finance describes this as entering a “new phase,” with an emphasis on player protection, curbing the spread of gambling, and aligning Croatia’s legal framework with European accountability standards.
By fully integrating every gambling license into this new system by 2026, the government anticipates enhanced transparency, improved player protection, and more rigorous financial oversight across the gambling sector. The reforms are seen as a strategic gamble by the government, betting on the benefits of reduced gambling-related harm and increased regulatory compliance.
While the reforms aim to safeguard public health and prioritize social responsibility, the potential economic impacts underscore the complexity of balancing social initiatives with industry sustainability. The ongoing discourse between government bodies, industry stakeholders, and international organizations suggests that Croatia’s approach may serve as a pivotal case study for other nations grappling with similar challenges. As the implementation progresses, the effects of these reforms on both the gambling industry and public health will be closely scrutinized by domestic and international observers alike.
James Miller is a distinguished casino strategy expert with a wealth of experience in the gambling world. At CasinoNoDeposits.com, James focuses on crafting effective gaming strategies and providing insightful reviews to guide players towards making informed decisions. His deep understanding of casino mechanics and promotional offers makes him a valuable asset to the team. Dedicated to educating players, James ensures that every piece of content is accurate, actionable, and reader-friendly.
4.2/5Winthere Casino
15 Euros FREE
