EUROMAT Urges Croatia to Delay Gambling Law Enforcement
EUROMAT has called on the Croatian government to delay enforcement of its newly adopted Gambling Act, warning that the law may violate EU legislation due to a failure to follow mandatory notification procedures. The regulation is set to come into effect in just over a week.
Concerns Over Lack of TRIS Notification
The European Gambling and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT) has formally appealed to the Croatian government, arguing that the new Gambling Act introduces several market restrictions that require notification under the EU’s Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS). These include mandatory player ID checks for entry to gambling venues, a centralized self-exclusion register, advertising limitations, restrictions on venue location and opening days, as well as increased taxes and licensing fees.
EU law requires Member States to notify the European Commission of any national provisions that could impact market access or the provision of services. According to EUROMAT, Croatia has not done so, which could render the law unenforceable and open the door to infringement proceedings and potential fines.
EUROMAT Demands Enforcement Pause
EUROMAT has urged the Croatian government to suspend implementation of the legislation until the notification process is completed and the law is confirmed to comply with EU rules.
Jason Frost, President of EUROMAT, stated:
“We understand that the European Commission is in touch with the Croatian government on this issue and I hope that the outcome of this is respect for EU law. The Croatian government should have halted its legislative process and followed the correct procedure. Europe’s Single Market is undermined by Member States if they cherry pick legal compliance. Business needs legal certainty and we are hopeful that the Commission will play its role in ensuring that Croatia respects its obligations.”
Industry Urges Adherence to Legal Framework
The Croatian Gaming Association has expressed support for EUROMAT’s position, calling on the government to ensure the legislative process remains within the EU legal framework.
Filip Jelavic, General Secretary of the Croatian Gaming Association, said:
“We welcome the fact that the European Commission has responded and reminded the Croatian government of the importance of adhering to the established procedures within the EU. We believe it is in the interest of all stakeholders – including the Croatian Government – that the legislative process is carried out in accordance with the European legal framework. Legal certainty and predictability are essential for market stability, and any potential financial consequences arising from procedural shortcomings are ultimately borne by businesses and citizens. Therefore, we consider it important for the Croatian Government to respect its obligations and allow the European Commission to verify that the adopted text is compatible with EU law and the Internal Market principles before it applies.”
Despite industry calls for a delay, the Gambling Act is scheduled to enter into force in just eight days. Stakeholders now look to the European Commission to assess the law’s compatibility and ensure that proper procedures are respected before it is enforced.