Gambling Act 30/2019 Coll

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1) What governs the law

Gambling Act 30/2019 Coll is a basic regulatory act that defines the rules for organizing and promoting gambling in Slovakia, requirements for operators, control, sanctions and player protection tools. The document modernized the market and created a single framework for offline and online segments.

2) New regulator and redistribution of powers

On March 1, 2019, the law established a special body - Gambling Regulatory Authority (Úrad pre reguláciu hazardných hier, URHH). From June 1, 2019, the functions of state administration in the field of gambling were transferred to it (issuance and revocation of individual licenses, supervision, sanctions, methodological explanations). The Ministry of Finance has retained rulemaking and international interaction.

3) Liberalization of the online market and admission of foreign companies

The law opened an online segment for private operators from the EU/EEA (subject to the established conditions and the presence of a representative/presence in the country). This removed the previous de facto monopoly and launched competition in online casinos and betting. At the same time, part of the lottery products remained in the state monopoly (numerical lotteries, etc.).

4) Types of permits and licensing structure

The law introduced an updated structure of separate licenses for different verticals (betting bets, casino games, gaming halls/machines, lotto, etc.), as well as general and individual licenses issued by URHH. Foreign applicants from the EU/EEA can obtain online licenses on an equal basis with local ones, subject to technical and compliance requirements.

5) Player protection: self-exclusion, limitations and responsible play

Gambling Act 30/2019 Coll laid the foundation for a national registry of self-exclusion, player verification requirements (KYC/AML), risk communication and controls (limits, time-out, no participation in vulnerable categories). The register of self-exclusion and other measures are seen as key elements of the responsible play policy.

6) Advertising and promotion

Advertising of gambling is allowed only within the framework of strict rules: mandatory warnings, prohibitions on targeting minors, etc. In recent years, the regulator has consistently strengthened requirements for advertising practices (including for online promotion).

7) Fighting the illegal market

URHH has oversight and sanctions powers, including blocking unlicensed sites/payments and penalties. This is aimed at protecting consumers and leveling the conditions of competition between legal operators.

8) Requirements for operators: presence, equipment, compliance

For online operators from the EU/EEA, access is provided subject to local representation, compliance with technical requirements (platform reliability, reporting, data storage/availability), as well as full-fledged AML/KYC and integration of responsible gaming tools.

9) Role of municipalities and offline infrastructure

The law simultaneously seeks to reduce the "problematic availability" of offline gambling: raising thresholds for gaming halls, more stringent accommodation and work parameters, and strengthening local control. This reduces point density and concentrates supply under supervision.

10) What is important for businesses and affiliates to know

Online licensing: the market is open to EU/EEA companies when URHH requirements are met.

Monopoly is limited: numerical lotteries and some lottery products remain under government control.

Compliance load: strict advertising rules, self-exclusion, KYC/AML, reporting.

URHH Oversight: Active Monitoring, Blocking and Sanctioning of Violations.

Exit strategy: local representative, adaptation of content and marketing to the rules, implementation of RG tools "by default."