Croatia to Implement New Gambling Law with Stricter Regulations

Croatia is set to introduce a major overhaul of its gambling laws, with full implementation expected by early 2026.

The new legislation will impose stricter player protection measures, increase taxes and fees, and enforce tougher restrictions on gambling advertising.

The reforms align with the government’s commitment to addressing gambling harm, ensuring industry integrity, and boosting state revenue.

Croatia’s Gambling Law Overhaul: Stricter Regulations, Higher Taxes, and New Player Protection Measures

Key Points

• Mandatory player identification for both land-based and online gambling.
• Higher taxes and increased licensing fees for gambling operators.
• Stricter advertising restrictions, including a ban on celebrity endorsements.

Stronger Player Protection and Self-Exclusion Measures

Under the new law, all gambling operators must implement mandatory player identification to track gambling activity and prevent underage gambling.

A national self-exclusion scheme will also be introduced within 190 days of the law’s implementation, allowing players to voluntarily restrict their gambling access.

Retail gambling venues, including 6,300 gaming halls and 1,300 betting shops, will face stricter regulations to improve player safety.

Self-service betting terminals will be banned from restaurants, cafes, and non-gambling venues to limit easy access to gambling.

Local authorities must review all gambling establishments to ensure compliance with new location restrictions:

• Gaming halls must be at least 500 meters away from schools and religious sites.
• Betting shops must maintain a 200-meter distance from educational institutions.

This could reduce the total number of gambling venues by up to 15%, reshaping the country’s land-based gambling sector.

Gambling Tax Increases and Higher Licensing Fees

The Croatian government plans to generate €50 million to €70 million in additional annual revenue through higher taxes and licensing fees.

Revised Gambling Taxes:

• 10% tax on winnings up to €1,500
• 30% tax on winnings over €70,000

New Licensing Fees:

• Land-based casinos: €400,000 → €600,000
• Online gambling: €265,445 → €398,168
• Betting shops: €132,722 → €200,000

At least 11% of gambling tax revenue will be allocated to addiction prevention, education, and social programs.

Strict Gambling Advertising Restrictions

Croatia’s new gambling law will introduce one of the toughest advertising bans in Europe.

New Restrictions Include:

• Gambling ads banned from TV, radio, and digital platforms between 6 AM and 11 PM.
• Celebrity, athlete, and social media influencer endorsements will be prohibited.
• Online operators must prevent gambling ads from targeting minors.
• Public and print media gambling advertisements may also be restricted (pending final government review).

Violations will result in financial penalties, advertising suspensions, or even revocation of licenses.

What This Means for the Gambling Industry

For Players:

• Stronger consumer protection and self-exclusion options.
• More accountability from gambling operators in responsible gaming practices.
• Higher taxes on winnings may reduce player profitability.

For Operators:

• Increased licensing fees and taxes will impact profit margins.
• Stricter advertising rules may reduce player acquisition efforts.
• Stronger regulations could limit market competition, favoring well-established brands.

For the Government:

• Aims to curb problem gambling and reduce industry risks.
• Expected to generate millions in additional revenue for social programs.
• Strengthens state control over gambling operations.

A Landmark Shift in Croatian Gambling Regulations

Croatia’s new gambling law represents a bold step toward a more regulated and responsible gambling industry.

With higher taxes, advertising bans, and player protection measures, the government is making gambling safer while boosting tax revenues.

However, operators face new challenges, including higher costs and stricter oversight, which could reshape Croatia’s gambling landscape.

With full implementation by early 2026, these reforms will define the future of gambling regulation in Croatia.