MPs in Slovakia have approved a new gaming law after the seventh day of its 40th parliament meeting.
The law was passed with 71 votes and seven abstaining.
The law introduces stricter regulation on gambling contributions, with an objective to raise state earnings from the industry, as well as improved operational rules for lotteries and casinos.
Indeed, with the ruling, Tipos, the national lottery operator, can take over casino licences from other operators and operate offshore. However, it also must move any casino operations into hotels within the next 12 months if required.
In addition, Tipos must contribute a minimum of €500,000 ($581,540) annually to gambling addiction prevention. It is also required that new casino locations receive municipal approval, with casinos being required to operate within that municipality to avoid locations being moved to restricted areas
By contrast, a separate bill seeking to remove certain provisions was rejected by the MPs.
Slovakia balances a developing gaming market with religious beliefs. While a range of suppliers offer games in the nation, including Pragmatic Play, Greentube and CT Interactive, it also banned gambling for a day following the death of Pope Francis.
26 April 2025 saw some gaming operations cease as part of a day of mourning, with land-based operations prohibited between 8am - 6pm. The ban was confirmed by the Slovakian Gambling Regulatory Authority.
However, it is notable that online gaming and lottery were not subject to such a ban.
Pragmatic Play is particularly prevalent in Slovakia, having partnered with Nike, Tipsport and FEG, among others
