Croatia plans to restrict gambling and advertising access

Croatia’s legislative landscape for gambling has undergone a significant transformation with the recent amendments to the Gambling Act. Both the ruling party and opposition lawmakers have expressed strong support for these changes, particularly highlighting the prohibition of betting machines in hospitality venues, effective next year. This reform is regarded as a pivotal step towards mitigating gambling addiction, a crucial public health issue.

Key Features of the Revised Gambling Act

The amended legislation introduces a comprehensive suite of socially responsible gambling measures that align with global best practices. Here are some notable components of the new law:

Mandatory Player Identification: Operators will be required to implement strict verification processes to ensure player accountability.
Banned Players Register: This initiative will facilitate a national database for individuals self-excluded from gambling activities, promoting responsible gambling practices.
Sunday Operation Regulations: Certain restrictions will be in place to limit gambling activities on Sundays, reflecting a commitment to reducing gambling’s prevalence in daily life.
Enhanced Advertising Controls: The law imposes strict regulations on gambling advertising, which now cannot be aired between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. on various platforms, including digital, audiovisual, and radio content.

Industry Reactions and Implications

Ivana Kekin, a member of the Croatian Parliament, articulated her support for the amendments, stating that the law represents a significant advancement for public welfare, particularly in safeguarding children and young adults against the dangers of gambling addiction.

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have rallied around the revised act. Petar Šimić emphasized the necessity for stricter regulations to protect vulnerable demographics, particularly youth and individuals grappling with addiction. Ivica Kukavica also expressed his endorsement, signifying widespread bipartisan acknowledgment of the bill’s intent.

However, the reception has not been entirely unambiguous. Božo Petrov voiced concerns regarding the ongoing allowance of gambling advertisements, advocating for a complete prohibition similar to limitations placed on other addictive substances. Anka Mrak Taritaš reinforced this sentiment, pushing for an end to public advertisements, emphasizing the detrimental societal effects of gambling promotion.

Advertising Restrictions and Sponsorship Guidelines

In alignment with the overarching goal of reducing gambling visibility, the revised law enforces rigorous limits on advertising:

Prohibition of Gambling Ads: No gambling advertisements will be permitted in print media or on publicly visible surfaces, ensuring a substantial reduction in accessible promotions.
Sponsorship Limitations: While sponsorship remains allowed, it is strictly regulated to include only the gambling operator’s name, logo, and brand without any celebrity endorsements or influencer involvement.

Boris Lalovac, another parliamentary member, commended the Ministry of Finance for its decisive action against gambling addictions, underscoring the role of the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Activities in enforcing these new standards. This body is tasked with blocking unauthorized digital gambling platforms that could exploit vulnerable players.

Protecting at-Risk Populations

Stipe Župan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, shared insights on the law’s intent to shield players from addiction and enhance treatment avenues. He explained that the upcoming regulations will outline minimum distances required between betting establishments and sensitive locations such as schools and playgrounds.

This comprehensive approach, which combines strict regulation of advertising, player protection mechanisms, and mindful legislation, aims to significantly curtail the influence of gambling on the Croatian populace, particularly amongst the youth and vulnerable groups.

Conclusion

The introduction of the amended Gambling Act marks a significant milestone for Croatia’s gambling industry, reflecting a robust commitment to public health and responsible gaming. By emphasizing player protection, limiting exposure to gambling advertising, and regulating operations, these legislative changes set a precedent for responsible gambling practices that could serve as a model for other jurisdictions navigating similar challenges. As the gambling landscape continues to evolve, ongoing assessment and adaptation of regulations will be essential in combating addiction and fostering a healthy gambling environment.