The Republic of Croatia is set for a new era in terms of gambling framework as new measures are set to be implemented by the early stages of 2026.
Central to the new framework is strengthening the ability to eradicate addiction and socially irresponsible behaviours.
Parliament in Croatia has outlined new player protections, tightening rules on gambling venues and eliminating aggressive advertising as key measures to improve the country’s ecosystem.
Furthermore, in what would likely be an avenue to fuel the growth of the country’s economy, it has also been proposed that the country would increase gambling taxes.
It comes amidst promises from the government and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to clean up the country’s gambling ecosystem and tighten the framework of the country’s gambling sector.
He is currently working in collaboration with the Croatian Institute of Public Health and professors from the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation, as he continues his third term as leader of the country.
Furthermore, recent data from the Institute of Public Health has caused such significant changes to be implemented. The department revealed that 73% of high school students have gambled at least once, with 13% showing signs of gambling-related harm.
Identification processes are also integral to the new framework and will be at the heart of a key measure to strengthen player protection in the region as further friction before players can access gambling venues.
Furthermore, steps must be taken to ensure that underage viewers are not exposed to online marketing campaigns from operators at all.
This means Croatian authorities will be strengthened with the ability to impose direct penalties or suspend advertising.
As well as this, further deepening the crackdown on marketing, Gambling adverts will no longer be allowed to feature celebrities, athletes, or social media influencers to promote brands, services or endorsements. The government will review Croatia’s advertising laws to proceed with a steep reduction in the coverage of gambling adverts, including a ban on promotion in public spaces and print media (magazines and newspapers).
The government believes that limiting the visibility of gambling-related advertising will help reduce the normalisation of gambling and protect vulnerable groups from an influence to gamble.
Tax spikes incoming
One of the most notable new measures for operators is the spiking of gambling tax, with a new framework being implemented based on the winnings and business scale.
- 10% for winnings up to €1,500
- 15% for winnings between €1,500 and €4,000
- 20% for winnings between €4,000 and €70,000
- 30% for winnings over €70,000
Annual licensing fees for gambling operators will also be increased:
- Land-based casinos – from €400,000 to €600,000
- Internet casinos – from €265,445 to €398,168
- Land-based betting shops – from €132,722 to €200,000
Approximately 11% of gambling revenue will be allocated to addiction prevention and treatment, while other funds will support sports, education, civil society development, and social and humanitarian activities.
