Slovakia’s Online Gambling Boom Outpaces Land-Based Sector

Slovakia’s online gambling industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, surpassing land-based casinos and gaming halls.

The national regulator, ÚRHH, has reported a record €12.8bn in online gambling bets, highlighting a major market shift.

While digital gaming surges, land-based operators face stagnation, raising concerns over future market dynamics and regulatory challenges.

With government tax revenues on the rise, policymakers must decide how to balance industry growth with responsible gambling safeguards.

Slovakia’s Online Gambling Sector Surpasses Land-Based Market, Regulator Reports

Key Takeaways from the Report

• Online gambling in Slovakia saw a 29.9% revenue increase, generating nearly €476m in 2024.
• Total gambling wagers reached €24.2bn, with online casinos accounting for more than half.
• The regulator blacklisted 89 unlicensed platforms, bringing the total number of blocked sites to over 820.

Online Gambling’s Unstoppable Growth in Slovakia

Slovakia’s gambling regulator, the ÚRHH, has highlighted the rapid expansion of online gambling in its latest annual report to parliament.

The numbers tell a clear story:

• Total gambling wagers in 2024: €24.2bn (+14% YoY)
• Online casino bets: €12.8bn
• Land-based gambling bets: €8.92bn
• Total player losses: €1.45bn (+9% YoY)

The regulator attributes the growth in online gambling to:

🔹 Technological advancements in digital gaming platforms
🔹 Shifting player preferences toward online betting
🔹 Effective state regulation fostering a competitive market

Land-Based Casinos and Gaming Halls Struggle to Keep Up

While the online sector experienced double-digit growth, Slovakia’s land-based casinos and gaming halls faced mixed results.

• Gaming halls: €6.14bn in bets, €5.8bn in payouts, €340m in net losses (-5% state tax contributions).
• Casinos: €2.78bn in wagers, €2.64bn in payouts, €140m in net losses (+26% tax contributions).

Despite relatively stable engagement, gaming halls saw a decline in state tax revenue due to lower net losses.

Casinos, however, increased their tax contributions by 26%, offsetting losses with higher betting volume.

Sports Betting Revenue Boosted by Major Events

Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics fueled sports betting growth.

• Total sports betting wagers: €2.73bn
• Total player losses: €310m
• State tax revenue from sports betting: €86.91m (+18% YoY)

These numbers highlight how major international sporting events drive betting activity in Slovakia.

Rising Online Gambling Also Brings Regulatory Challenges

Despite increased state revenue, the rapid rise of online gambling presents new concerns for regulators.

Bohoš emphasized two major challenges:

• Protecting vulnerable players – The ÚRHH is strengthening self-exclusion measures and intervention policies.
• Cracking down on unlicensed operators – 89 illegal platforms were blacklisted in 2024, bringing the total to over 820.

In response, Slovakia introduced a new national gambling helpline, managed by Predná Hora, a specialist treatment center.

The helpline operates 7 days a week from 9 AM to 1 AM, offering free support to problem gamblers.

Future Outlook: Online Gambling Set to Dominate

• Bohoš predicts continued growth in online gambling, with increasing market competition.
• Land-based gambling will likely decline further, especially with local restrictions like Bratislava’s gambling venue ban.
• The government faces key regulatory decisions on taxation, responsible gambling, and industry oversight.

A Digital-First Future for Slovakian Gambling

Slovakia’s gambling industry is undergoing a fundamental shift, with online casinos leading the charge.

With nearly €13bn in online wagers, digital gambling has overtaken traditional land-based operations, reshaping the market landscape.

As lawmakers assess this trend, they must strike a balance between industry growth, tax revenue, and player protection.

With the online market set to expand further, Slovakia is at a crossroads in gambling regulation. Will the government adapt or fall behind?