Slovakia Suspends Gambling on Funeral Day of Pope Francis

On April 26, 2025, Slovakia will observe a national day of mourning for Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. In a significant move, the Slovak government has mandated the suspension of gambling activities during this period to pay tribute to the late pontiff.

The Slovak Gambling Regulatory Authority (URHH) issued a directive prohibiting gambling operations from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the day of mourning. This suspension encompasses all land-based gambling activities. However, online games and the national lottery, operated by state-owned Tipos in collaboration with foreign partners, are exempt from this ban. Operators are permitted to publish gambling results during this time .​

This decision underscores Slovakia’s commitment to honoring significant global figures and reflects the nation’s cultural and religious values. By suspending gambling activities, Slovakia joins other countries in paying homage to Pope Francis, emphasizing the profound impact of his leadership.

Stakeholders in the gambling industry should adhere strictly to this directive, ensuring compliance during the specified hours. This period also offers an opportunity for reflection on the ethical considerations of gambling operations in relation to societal values.

Slovakia Halts Gambling to Honor Pope Francis on National Day of Mourning

Key Points

• Mandatory Suspension: All land-based gambling activities in Slovakia are suspended from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on April 26, 2025.​
• Exemptions: Online gambling and the national lottery operated by Tipos are not affected by this suspension.​
• Cultural Significance: The suspension aligns with national efforts to honor Pope Francis during his funeral proceedings.

Slovakia’s decision to suspend gambling activities on April 26, 2025, serves as a mark of respect for Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The URHH’s directive ensures that all land-based gambling operations cease during the designated mourning period.​

While online gambling and the national lottery remain operational, the suspension of physical gambling venues highlights the nation’s dedication to observing this solemn occasion. This move is consistent with Slovakia’s cultural and religious ethos, reflecting the country’s reverence for significant global religious figures.​

The gambling industry in Slovakia has seen substantial growth, particularly in the online sector. In 2024, online gambling revenue surged by 30%, reaching nearly €476 million. This growth is attributed to innovations in digital services and changes in consumer behavior .​

Despite this growth, the URHH anticipates a decline in land-based gambling revenue in 2025, partly due to stricter local regulations. This potential decline underscores the importance of balancing industry growth with regulatory compliance and societal values.

Slovakia’s suspension of gambling activities on April 26, 2025, demonstrates the nation’s commitment to honoring Pope Francis during his funeral. This decision reflects the country’s cultural values and respect for global religious leaders. As the gambling industry continues to evolve, such measures highlight the importance of aligning business operations with societal expectations and ethical considerations.