Online gambling completely legalized

1) Legal basis and perimeter of legalization

The basic act is the Gambling Act (Act No. 186/2016 Coll.) applicable to offline and online segments.

Allowed online verticals: casino games (including RNG slots and live casinos), poker, sports/esports betting, bingo, lotteries and instant games - with a license of the appropriate type.

To whom licenses are available: to Czech and international groups (through the local structure, compliance with those/fin requirements and passing reliability checks).

2) Taxes: rate from GGR, not from turnover

A special tax is levied on gross gaming income (GGR); differentiated rates apply:

benchmark ~ 23% GGR - for "less risky" verticals (including rates);
landmark ~ 35% GGR - for "technical games" (slots/machines and their online counterparts).
On top of the special tax, corporate income tax is paid in the general manner.
It is critical for operators to correctly classify the product (23% vs 35%) and keep separate records.

3) Licensing and technical requirements

The key to admission is an appropriate vertical license, platform technical audit, RNG/RTP certification in accredited laboratories and continuous telemetry.

Hosting/data: logging of game events, transactions, limits and RG events; compliance with storage terms, protected channels and access.

Integrations: connection to government/supervisory registers (including self-exclusion tools), reporting on time (usually monthly/quarterly), interfaces for financial monitoring.

4) Responsible play (RG) and player protection

Self-exclusion and limits: the player can set deposits/time limits and/or choose self-exclusion; the operator must implement "risk triggers" and early intervention scenarios.

Age control: strict verification of identity and age, prohibition of access to vulnerable categories.

Transparency: clear bonus rules, clear wagering conditions, visible RTP and risk reference information.

5) KYC/AML and financial circuit

Onboarding: remote identification (e-KYC), PEP/sanctions verification, confirmation of payment instruments.

Fraud management: monitoring of multiaccounting, behavioral anomalies, chargeback risks and laundering schemes.

Payments: bank cards, transfers, e-wallets; permitted methods are confirmed under license and banking partnerships.

Responsibility: suspicious transactions are reported to the authorized bodies; for violations - fines, suspension/revocation of the license.

6) Advertising, marketing, affiliates

Advertising online gambling is permissible for licensed operators, but with restrictions: disclaimers, a ban on targeting minors/vulnerable groups, restrictions on venues and formats.

Affiliate marketing is allowed only on the basis of transparency and compliance with local rules (including a ban on promoting unlicensed domains).

For violations - administrative measures, up to major sanctions.

7) Fighting gray sites and protecting the perimeter

The Ministry of Finance maintains a register of illegal domains; communication providers are required to block them (DNS/IP).

Banks and fintech providers are blocking payments in favor of gray operators.

Operators and affiliates are responsible for any bypass attempts.

8) What it means for players

Security and integrity: licensed sites provide certified games, secure payments and legal protection.

Self-monitoring tools: limits, timeouts, self-exclusion are available in the interface.

Transparency of payments: clear terms of bonuses, verifiable coefficients, support service in Czech/English.

9) What it means for operators and providers

Predictable economy: GGR tax base, clear technical regulations, P&L long-term planning capability.

High entry threshold: Compliance, reporting, integration and auditing require CAPEX/OPEX and mature processes.

Content Outlook: Demand for RNG certified, live-casinos, RG/anti-fraud tools and analytics solutions.

10) Forecast to 2030

Model stability: maintaining full legalization with spot adjustments in advertising, RG and technical supervision.

Data and algorithms: increased behavioral analytics, more automation in AML/KYC and risk monitoring.

Innovation without a "gap": new formats are allowed (mobile, live variations) if they fit into the framework of certification and RG.

Inter-state cooperation: the growth of cooperation with EU regulators to combat illegal supply and the unification of practices.

In the Czech Republic, online gambling is not just legal - it is systemically managed: licenses, GGR taxes, strict safety rules and responsible play. For the player, it is comfort and protection; for business - transparent rules in which companies that invest in technology, compliance and long-term reputation benefit.