In Croatia, the Most party MPs have criticised the 2025 Gambling Act, claiming it has failed to achieve its key goal of protecting minors.
Most is a relatively minor party with no significant influence in Croatia.
The Law in question prohibited gambling advertising from 6am to 11pm on the internet and in audiovisual media. It also banned gambling ads in print media and on publicly visible surfaces. Sponsorship advertising is not completely prohibited, but it is limited to displaying the company name, logo and the operator’s brand.
Speaking at a press conference, MP Božo Petrov said gambling operators are exploiting ambiguities in the law. He claims that, instead of using traditional advertising, operators expanded their presence through sponsorships in sports, culture and public spaces.
Petrov highlighted that, as particularly concerning, some of these sponsorships feature gambling logos on underage athletes’ jerseys.
He also raised serious allegations against operators, claiming that they refuse to register players in the self-exclusion system, despite it being their legal obligation.
Additionally, he noted that cafes and bars that previously hosted betting terminals are now switching to other types of gambling devices following the ban on terminals.
The 2025 Gambling Act removed thousands of betting terminals from hospitality venues. This was in order to prevent minors from gambling via these terminals.
Meanwhile, the new regulations also closed more than 300 gambling venues. The distance between betting locations and sensitive venues has been restricted.
The Croatian Association of Gambling Operators (HUPIS) has recently stepped up efforts to fight illegal gambling, focusing on the financial services that enable unlawful transactions.
The trade body held constructive discussions with major international payment providers, including Revolut, Skrill and Paysafe, to block transactions to unlicensed operators. Further coordination with the Croatian Association of Banks is planned to strengthen oversight and compliance.
Croatia’s recently updated gambling regulations have tightened oversight, raised licence costs and restricted advertising
