There are rumours that funds received by social assistance recipients could be blocked for gambling transactions. However, at present, there are no definite confirmed plans for such restrictions.
Nevertheless, earlier this month, Alen Ružić, the Minister of Labour, the Pension System, Family and Social Policy, stated: “We will not allow public money to be spent on alcohol and gambling.”
He also added: “ We are planning a digital card, as a major project, which is currently in the phase of financial and IT development.”
Part of the public, particularly recipients of various social benefits and their families, are expressing concern about possible restrictions on access to their own funds, increased oversight or stigmatisation.
This scepticism has been further fuelled by a lack of clear official information, which leaves room for misinformation to spread.
However, this would not be an unusual regulatory measure, as many other jurisdictions worldwide have already implemented or are considering similar rules.
In Russia, a bill has been proposed that would prevent bookmakers from accepting bets from debtors, including those with alimony obligations and legally incapacitated individuals, although it may be postponed until at least autumn.
A similar measure has emerged in Argentina, where lawmakers from Entre Ríos Province in the country’s Chamber of Deputies have proposed legislation that would bar individuals who fail to meet court-ordered child support obligations from casinos, betting shops and online gambling platforms.
Meanwhile, Brazil's betting industry has abandoned plans to challenge the Ministry of Finance's rule that prevents social welfare beneficiaries from gambling online.
Bringing the focus back to Croatia - at the beginning of the year, updated gambling regulations tightened oversight, increased licence costs, restricted advertising and significantly reduced the number of physical betting venues.
However, MP Božo Petrov of the Most party believes that gambling operators are exploiting ambiguities in the updated law. He claims that, instead of using traditional advertising, operators expanded their presence through sponsorships in sports, culture and public spaces.
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.
In February, the Croatian Association of Gambling Operators (HUPIS) engaged with major international payment providers to prevent transactions to unlicensed operators
