Croatian PM Proposes Sweeping Gambling Reforms

Croatian PM Proposes Comprehensive Gambling Reforms

Croatia is set to overhaul its gambling laws with sweeping new reforms!

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has unveiled a comprehensive decree aimed at regulating gambling and protecting citizens.

Discover how these changes will impact gambling advertising, player protection, and the overall gaming landscape in Croatia.

Stay informed on the latest developments and what they mean for the future of gambling in Croatia.

Croatian PM Proposes Comprehensive Gambling Reforms

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has called for urgent support from ministers for a significant reform of the country’s Gambling Act of 2009. Introducing a draft decree from the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Plenković highlighted concerns raised by municipal leaders and city mayors regarding citizens’ exposure to gambling and its potential harms.

Drafted by Finance Minister Marko Primorac, the proposed decree outlines a robust framework for reforming Croatia’s gambling industry. These reforms aim to mitigate the negative impact of gambling on society, particularly among young people and vulnerable populations.

Key Proposals in the Draft Decree

1. Advertising Restrictions: The decree proposes stringent restrictions on gambling advertising. It would ban gambling adverts in public outdoor spaces and print media. Additionally, gambling ads on TV would be prohibited between 6am and 11pm, with exemptions for live sports broadcasts. Online media would also face restrictions, with bans on incentives like bonuses and free bets, ensuring that campaigns target audiences over 18 years old. All advertisements must include prominent warnings about the risks of gambling.
2. Self-Exclusion Register: A central feature of the decree is the introduction of a self-exclusion register, to be maintained by the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ). Scheduled for establishment by 2026, this register would allow players, as well as their families, doctors, and social care workers, to request self-exclusion from gambling activities. This initiative aims to provide a safety net for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
3. Protection for Minors: The decree includes measures to prevent minors from engaging in gambling activities, with specific details to be determined. However, the national lottery, Hrvatska Lutrija, would be exempt from these restrictions. Land-based gambling venues would be required to identify all players upon entry and would be prohibited from promoting gambling outside their premises.
4. Compliance and Enforcement: The proposed reforms introduce a new compliance framework for Croatian gambling. Licensed operators could face disqualification for repeated regulatory breaches. Additionally, banks would be mandated to block payments to unlicensed operators, which would be blacklisted by the government.

Political Context and Reactions

The push for these reforms comes amid criticism from opposition politicians regarding the government’s lack of action on problem gambling, especially in light of the upcoming election in May. Despite previous parliamentary debates on gambling reforms, significant changes have not been implemented since amendments in 2015.

Addressing parliament, Prime Minister Plenković emphasized the urgency of the proposed reforms: “Gambling has spread significantly through the digital space, and we must consider its detrimental impact on young generations. We need to promote the reduction of gambling addiction and better regulate this activity.”

Finance Minister Primorac echoed these sentiments, stating: “The changes aim to limit the mechanisms of gambling organization, its availability, and the encouragement to participate. This will lead to a reduction in addiction and its negative consequences, both for the individual and for society as a whole.”

Wider European Context

The proposed Croatian reforms align with broader European trends towards stricter gambling regulations. For instance, the Romanian Supreme Court recently ruled that new land-based gambling restrictions in Romania require a constitutional review. Earlier this year, the Romanian parliament approved an executive order from Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, banning gambling in small rural towns.

Conclusion

Croatia’s proposed gambling reforms represent a comprehensive effort to address the societal impacts of gambling through robust regulation and enhanced player protection measures. As these reforms progress, they promise to reshape the gambling landscape in Croatia, ensuring a safer and more responsible environment for all citizens. Stay tuned for further updates on this significant legislative initiative and its implications for the gambling industry in Croatia.