Slovakia expects land-based tax revenue to drop, online on rise
The Slovakian Gambling Regulatory Authority (URHH) has forecasted a decline in revenue from land-based gaming in 2025, following a significant surge in online gambling revenue, which saw a remarkable 30% increase, nearly reaching €476 million in 2024.
On March 11, the URHH released its annual report detailing key metrics such as revenue, sales, and tax contributions from the gambling industry for the year 2024. This past year, the total spend by players on legal gambling in Slovakia soared to €24.2 billion, reflecting an 11% increase from 2023.
The total gambling revenue across all sectors in Slovakia reached an impressive €1.45 billion, marking a 9.6% rise compared to the previous year. Notably, online gambling revenue accounted for the bulk of this growth, escalating by 30% to nearly €476 million.
This boom in online revenue was underpinned by a total online player spend of €12.18 billion in 2024, with an impressive €11.7 billion distributed back to players in the form of winnings.
“The largest market share continues to be dominated by online casinos,” stated Martin Bohoš, General Director of the Gambling Regulatory Authority. “Their remarkable growth can be attributed to advancements in digital services, evolving consumer preferences, and robust regulatory measures instituted by the government.”
Source: URHH
Conversely, revenue generated from land-based gambling in Slovakia stood at €480 million, comprising €340 million from gambling rooms and €140 million from casinos. However, the regulator cautioned that a downturn is expected in 2025.
“The Gambling Regulatory Authority anticipates a decline in revenues from land-based gaming and casinos in 2025, attributable to tighter local government regulations,” the report elaborated. “This trend may inadvertently drive players towards the illegal market, necessitating enhanced oversight and the implementation of more rigorous mechanisms to combat illegal gambling activities.”
Additionally, Slovakian players incurred losses of €481 million in land-based gambling establishments, which was €5 million more than what was lost through online platforms.
Gambling Tax Trends
In 2024, the Slovakian government collected €347.3 million in gambling taxes, indicating a 15% year-on-year increase. However, revenues from gambling rooms declined by 5% to €58.95 million.
The contribution from casino gambling taxes surged by 26%, reaching €16.40 million, while revenue derived from online casinos grew by an impressive 35% to €126.10 million for the same year.
Source: URHH (Rast = Growth)
Moreover, numerical lotteries contributed €47.6 million in taxes in 2024, reflecting a 9% increase over the previous year.
Gambling Laws and Regulations
Online gambling regulations in Slovakia took effect on March 1, 2019, allowing international operators to apply for sports betting and casino licenses. In its ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling, the URHH added 89 more websites to its list of prohibited sites in 2024, escalating the total to 820.
In November 2022, the URHH established a dedicated online gaming department to enhance the crackdown on illegal gambling site operators within the country. The regulator has emphasized its commitment to developing modern regulatory frameworks “that prioritize player protection, eradicate illegal practices, and promote sustainable growth in the licensed gambling market in Slovakia.”
In 2023, approximately 80% of licensed operators in Slovakia adhered to a Code of Responsible Advertising, constructed by the URHH. By agreeing to this code, operators have pledged to foster responsible gaming and raise awareness regarding the financial risks and potential addiction associated with gambling.
