Croatia’s PM Pledges Swift Reform of Gambling Laws

Commitment to Overhaul Gambling Regulations

On Thursday, Plenkovic submitted a draft decree to Parliament, calling for ministerial support to amend the nation’s Gambling Act. This move follows increasing criticism of the government’s previous inaction on gambling addiction, which reportedly affects over 40,000 Croatians.

Addressing Digital Gambling and Youth Impact

In his address to Parliament, Plenkovic stressed the urgency of reform due to the significant spread of gambling through digital platforms and its adverse effects on younger generations. “We need to influence the reduction of gambling addiction and much better regulate this activity,” he stated, underlining the necessity for immediate legislative action to mitigate these issues.

Comprehensive Measures in the Proposed Reforms

The reform package, drafted by Finance Minister Marko Primorac, includes several key measures aimed at strengthening gambling regulations:

1. Advertising Restrictions: The new law will enforce a strict code on gambling advertising, banning adverts in public outdoor spaces and print media, and limiting TV, radio, and digital platform ads. All gambling adverts must include warnings about addiction and risks, and marketing efforts must target individuals aged 18 and above.
2. Protection of Minors: Measures will be put in place to prevent minors from gambling. However, exemptions will be made for the national lottery, Hrvatska Lutrija, which is considered low-risk. Land-based gambling venues will be required to verify the age of all entrants and will be prohibited from promoting gambling outside their premises.
3. Self-Exclusion Register: By 2026, the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) will establish a self-exclusion register, allowing players, family members, doctors, and social care workers to request indefinite exclusion from gambling activities.
4. Compliance and Enforcement: The new framework will disqualify licensed operators for repeated regulatory violations, and Croatian banks will be required to block payments to unlicensed operators listed on a government blacklist.

Political and Social Support for the Reforms

Finance Minister Primorac urged Parliament to fast-track these changes starting from 2024, emphasizing their potential to reduce gambling addiction and its societal impact.

PM Plenkovic affirmed that overhauling gambling laws would be a key mandate of his third term, with support from the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and the Croatia DP party.