EUROMAT Urges Croatia to Delay Gambling Law

A brewing legal conflict in Europe’s gambling sector has put Croatia’s new Gambling Act under scrutiny from Brussels.

The European Gambling and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT) has called on the Croatian Government to suspend the law’s implementation, warning that its rushed adoption may breach critical EU internal market regulations.

With enforcement set to begin in just days, the act’s future is now in question. EUROMAT, backed by Croatia’s own industry leaders, has filed formal concerns with the European Commission.

As the Commission investigates, EUROMAT urges Croatian lawmakers to respect EU procedures before pushing forward a law that could face suspension or legal challenge.

EUROMAT Warns Croatia: New Gambling Law Risks Breaching EU Rules

Key Points:

• EUROMAT challenges Croatian Gambling Act: The federation argues that Croatia failed to notify the law via the EU’s TRIS procedure.
• Potential EU law breach: Non-compliance could result in suspension, infringement procedures, or fines from the European Commission.
• Operators and associations push back: The Croatian Gaming Association backs the call for procedural compliance to ensure market stability.

Legal Breakdown: Croatia’s Gambling Law in the EU Spotlight

The Croatian Government’s newly passed Gambling Act introduces sweeping regulatory changes aimed at tightening control over the gaming industry. However, it now faces growing backlash — not just domestically, but at the European level.

The European Gambling and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT), representing national industry associations across the continent, has urged Croatia to pause enforcement and follow proper EU legal channels.

At the heart of the issue is Croatia’s alleged failure to notify the act through the Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS) — a mandatory step under EU law for any legislation affecting market access or the provision of services.

What the Law Changes

Croatia’s revised Gambling Act brings in several substantial reforms:

• Player Identification: All individuals entering gambling venues must present valid ID.

• National Self-Exclusion Register: Players can voluntarily block themselves from participation.

• Advertising Restrictions: Tighter controls on gambling promotions, especially those targeting vulnerable groups.

• Location and Operating Hours: New zoning rules limit venue placement and daily operating hours.

• Higher Licensing Fees and Taxes: Operators will face increased costs to maintain compliance.

Although designed to modernize and tighten controls, EUROMAT argues that these measures could restrict market access for foreign operators — triggering a need for formal EU notification and review.

What EU Law Says

Under the EU’s Single Market framework, all member states must notify the European Commission when introducing technical regulations that may affect the cross-border provision of goods and services.

Failing to comply with this step, under Directive (EU) 2015/1535, can render national legislation unenforceable. The Commission can launch infringement proceedings, suspend application of the law, or impose financial penalties.

In its official statement, EUROMAT said the Commission is already in contact with Croatian authorities.

“Europe’s Single Market is undermined by member states if they cherry-pick legal compliance,” said EUROMAT President Jason Frost. “Business needs legal certainty, and we are hopeful that the Commission will play its role.”

Croatian Industry Also Alarmed

Operators within Croatia are also voicing concern. Filip Jelavic, General Secretary of the Croatian Gaming Association, stressed the importance of respecting EU obligations to avoid costly consequences.

“Legal certainty and predictability are essential for market stability,” said Jelavic. “Procedural missteps ultimately cost businesses and taxpayers.”

The association echoed EUROMAT’s call for dialogue and a temporary suspension of the act’s rollout until the European Commission completes its review.

A Call for Compliance and Clarity

The Croatian Gambling Act may have been crafted with domestic regulation in mind, but its implications extend far beyond national borders.

By bypassing the EU’s TRIS notification procedure, Croatia now risks not only suspension of the law but reputational damage on the European stage.

As EUROMAT, Croatian stakeholders, and the European Commission weigh in, the message is clear: EU legal compliance is not optional. In a tightly regulated sector like gambling, legal predictability is key to protecting both markets and consumers.

Whether Croatia will adjust course remains to be seen — but all eyes are now on Brussels.