Croatian Gambling Act Revamp: A Fresh Approach to Curb Addiction
Croatia intends to impose limitations on gambling and advertisements.
Welcome to the brand new era of gambling regulation in Croatia! Lawmakers, hailing from both the ruling party and the opposition, have enthusiastically endorsed the finalized amendments to the Gambling Act. Key among these changes is the ban on betting machines in hospitality establishments, set to kick off next year.
These changes are praised as a significant stride towards combating gambling addiction. With the revised law, social responsibility takes center stage. Measures such as mandatory player identification, a banned players register, Sunday operation rules, and stringent controls on gambling advertising are being introduced.
Ivana Kekin, a member of the Croatian Parliament, expressed her delight at the law's passage, emphasizing its alignment with public interest and the safeguarding of citizens' health, particularly children and young people.
Parliamentary discussions echoed widespread support for the amended Gambling Act from all political sides. Petar Šimić emphasized the necessity of stricter regulation, highlighting the need to protect young people and those struggling with gambling addiction. Ivica Kukavica also welcomed the law.
However, Božo Petrov, another parliament member, voiced concerns about the continued allowance of gambling advertisements. He believed that gambling, like other addictions, should not be marketed in any form. Anka Mrak Taritaš called for a complete ban on gambling advertisements in public spaces, citing societal impact as a concern.
The revamped law imposes strict limitations on gambling advertisements, forbidding them between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. across digital platforms, audiovisual and radio content, as well as electronic publications. Print media and publicly visible surfaces are also off-limits for gambling ads, while the visibility of gambling establishments is being reduced.
While sponsorship is still permitted, it is now limited to displaying only the gambling operator's name, logo, and brand. Celebrities or media influencers will no longer be involved in any form of gambling promotion.
Boris Lalovac, another member of the Croatian Parliament, voiced his support for these changes and praised the Ministry of Finance and the government for tackling addiction decisively. The Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Activities will play a central role in implementing the new law, blocking unauthorized digital platforms offering illegal gambling services.
Stipe Župan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, introduced the amended law, stating it aims to reduce accessibility and visibility of gambling, limit player incentives, and ultimately decrease the prevalence of gambling addiction. A forthcoming decree will define the minimum allowed distance between betting shops and sensitive locations such as schools and children's playgrounds.
Embrace the change and gear up for a healthier, more responsible gambling environment in Croatia! Follow our Telegram channel for updates.
Insightful Tidbits
- Mandatory Player Registration: Players will be required to register before entering gambling venues, aiding in the management of gambling activities.
- National Self-Exclusion Register: This register allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities across multiple venues.
- Tighter Advertising Rules: The aim is to reduce exposure and appeal to vulnerable groups by restricting gambling advertisements.
- Restrictions on Gambling Venue Locations and Operating Days: These limits are designed to decrease accessibility and the potential for addiction.
- Increased Licensing and Taxation Measures: These financial adjustments can contribute funding to responsible gambling initiatives and oversight, as well as helping combat money laundering[2][3][5].
However, the European Gambling and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT) has expressed reservations, arguing that Croatia failed to follow proper EU notification procedures for these regulatory changes[3][5].
- The amended Gambling Act in Croatia to combat gambling addiction now includes a ban on betting machines in hospitality establishments.
- The new regulation calls for stricter rules on gambling advertisements, forbidding them during specific hours and in certain public spaces.
- The Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Activities will have a central role in implementing the new policy-and-legislation, blocking unauthorized digital platforms offering illegal gambling services.
- The revamped law also introduces measures such as mandatory player identification, a banned players register, and restrictions on gambling venue locations and operating days, aiming to decrease the prevalence of gambling addiction.
