Casinos in the Czech Republic and Slovakia: national licenses

Czech and Slovak casinos: national licenses (full text)

💡 Status as of October 17, 2025.

1) Control frame: what is common

Both countries use national licenses and centralized supervision: operators are required to obtain local permits, comply with technical certification and connect to responsible play tools (limits, timeouts, self-exclusion). The Czech Republic is regulated by the Ministry of Finance (MFČR), Slovakia is a separate Úrad pre reguláciu hazardných hier (URHH), created in 2019 by Law No. 30/2019.

2) Czech Republic: licenses, products, player protection

Legal framework and regulators. The basic law is Act No. 186/2016 Coll. (Gambling Act). Supervision and licensing is carried out by the Ministry of Finance, and field enforcement (including blocking unlicensed sites) is supported by related departments.

What is allowed. With a Czech license, online casinos (slots and tables), poker, betting, as well as offline casinos and gaming halls are available. Advertising and sponsorship are strictly limited by a separate advertising law.

Self-exclusion (RVO). Rejstřík vyloučených osob works - a national register of excluded players (voluntarily or according to vulnerability criteria). Operators are required to check access via RVO at login/registration.

Taxes. Since 2024, a two-level model has been in effect:

30% GGR - for "less harmful" games (live games, bingo, bets, sweepstakes, etc.);
35% GGR - for lotteries and "technical games" (including slot machines/slots).
These rates replaced the previous 23 %/35% (the reform raised the lower bar). Part of the proceeds from the "technical games" is distributed in favor of the municipalities.

Practical implications.

Online slots and offline machines fall into a higher tax bracket (35% GGR), which affects game math, bonus policy, and RTP level.

Increased control over RVO and advertising restrictions noticeably "slow down" UX and reduce impulsive play.

3) Slovakia: licenses, products, player protection

Legal framework and regulator. The main act is Law No. 30/2019 Coll., On its basis, from March 1, 2019, URHH was created as an independent body (left the structure of the Ministry of Finance). He issues/revokes licenses, conducts supervision, and suppresses unlicensed activities.

What is allowed. Online casinos, poker, betting are available under national license; state operator TIPOS retains key positions in lotteries. The market has opened in stages since 2019, and the online segment is actively growing.

Responsible play. The law establishes the 18 + age threshold, verification, self-control tools, as well as a register of restrictions (exceptions/prohibitions on participation) under the control of URHH.

Taxes and fees. Basic:

Online casinos - 22% of GGR;
Online rates - 27% of GGR;
Additionally - 0.7% monthly contribution to finance the regulator (online casino).
The parameters are confirmed by profile reviews and industry statistics for 2024-2025.

Practical implications.

Online GGR taxation allows you to flexibly manage RTP/margin than turnaround models.

Online growth amid pressure on offline revenue shifts investments in digital products and CRM.

4) Comparison of the Czech Republic and Slovakia - what is important to the operator and the player

Parameter	Czech Republic	Slovakia
Basic law	Act No. 186/2016 Coll. Act No. 30/2019 Coll.
Regulator	Ministry of Finance (MFČR)	URHH (independent organ)
Online casino	Allowed by nat. licenses	Allowed by nat. licenses
Self-exception	RVO (nat. register of excluded)	Registers and prohibitions under Law No. 30/2019
Taxes (online)	30% GGR (live/betting, etc. )/35% GGR (lotteries and "tech games," incl. slots)	22% GGR (casino), 27% GGR (betting) + 0.7% installment
Trends 2024-2025	Rate increase 23%→30%; stable advertising and RVO control	Rapid online growth, offline flow

5) Start-up checklist (operator)

1. Legal model: choice of legal entity and verticals; assessment of the tax burden (Czech Republic - differentiation of 30/35% GGR, Slovakia - 22/27% GGR + 0.7%).

2. Technique and certification: platform, RNG/content, reporting; readiness for audits and integrations, including requests from the regulator.

3. RG/KYC/AML: limits, timeouts, self-exclusion process (connection to RVO in CZ; compliance with URHH requirements in SK).

4. Marketing compliance: strict rules for advertising and working with affiliates in both countries.

6) Player FAQ

Is it legal to play online?

Yes, licensed operators in both countries. Check the national license/concession number on the brand website.

Are there government self-exclusion registers?

In the Czech Republic - RVO (single nat. register); in Slovakia - prohibition/exclusion mechanisms are enshrined in law and applied by URHH/licensees.

Do I need to pay personal income tax with winnings?

Typically, the tax burden falls on the operator (through game taxes), but particular situations depend on the product and player status; if in doubt - local tax advice. (General modes are described in industry reviews and acts.)

The Czech Republic and Slovakia are mature EU national regimes with a clear model of "local license + strict supervision." The Czech Republic relies on Law No. 186/2016 and strengthened the tax for "less harmful" games to 30% GGR, retaining 35% for "technical games"; Since 2019, Slovakia has been developing an open online market with 22% GGR for casinos, 27% GGR for betting and systemic financing of the regulator through a 0.7% contribution. For players, this means a protected environment (verification, limits, self-exclusion), and for operators - a market for compliance, a transparent economy and a long development distance.