Croatia launches gambling self-exclusion system
Operators must integrate the new system by the end of the year.
Croatia.- The first phase of reforms of gambling regulations in Croatia is now in motion. The government has announced the launch of a gambling self-exclusion system and other regulatory measures intended to increase oversight of the market.
The Registar Igrača self-exclusion registry went live this week. The system is managed by the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ), and all operators must integrate with the system by January 1, 2026. The Ministry of Finance will be responsible for monitoring compliance.
The measure was a key reform pledged by prime minister Andrej Plenković and the HDZ party. Other changes include a requirement for cafés, bars, and recreational venues to remove all self-service betting terminals, known as kladomati.
Meanwhile, casinos, betting shops and gaming arcades must implement electronic systems for verifying player identities. Staff will be required to conduct identity checks and cross-reference customers against the new Registar Igrača database. The new systems must also integrate with local authorities and the Ministry of Finance to maintain accurate records.
There will also be new restrictions on gambling advertising, with a ban on broadcast ads between 6am and 11pm. Gambling venues will no longer be allowed to place external advertising such as signage, branding or promotional displays.
Tax changes for gambling in Croatia
Further Croatian gambling reforms in 2026 will see an increase in licence fees and tax rates. Licence fees for land-based casinos will rise from €400,000 to €600,000, while online gambling licences will rise from €265,445 to €398,168 and the fee for land-based betting shops will increase from €132,722 to €200,000.
Gambling winnings will be taxed on a sliding scale from 10 per cent for winnings up to €1,500 to 30 per cent for winnings over €70,000. The government expects to raise an extra €50m to €70m per year. Around 11 per cent of gambling revenue will be directed to addiction prevention and treatment. Funds will also go to education, civil society and social activities.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the reforms “represent a new phase of socially responsible regulation. They protect players, reduce exposure to gambling, and bring the sector in line with European standards of accountability’. However, the Croatian Association of Gambling Operators (HUBPS) has warned that the changes could threaten up to 15,000 jobs.
The European Gambling and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT) has submitted an objection to the European Commission arguing that Croatia failed to notify changes to the Croatian Gambling Act (PZ_42) under the TRIS procedure. The trade body argues that as several amendments constitute technical regulations under European Union Directive 2015/1535, they should have been subject to a formal notification
