Slovakian Conservatives Want Stricter Gambling Ad Rules

In March, the Office for Gambling Regulation’s director general, Martin Bohoš, spoke about online casinos rising in popularity in Slovakia.  

In parallel, official data spoke about €1.32 billion ($1.39 billion) in gambling losses in 2023, up €130 million ($137 million) compared to the previous year when total bets amounted to €21.36 billion ($22.57 billion) and winnings reached the €20.04 billion ($21.18 billion) mark. 

Now, the country is subject to Conservative calls to restrict gambling advertising laws.

Proposed Changes to the “Law of Advertising and Media Services”

A coalition of Slovakia’s Conservative parties is advocating for a significant revision of the Law of Advertising and Media Services to introduce tougher safeguards for young people and vulnerable groups.

Political groups Slovensko, For the People, and the Christian Union (KU) have submitted a proposal to the National Council. 

The trio is looking to change Slovakian media laws that currently permit alcohol and gambling advertisements with minimal constraints.

The Conservative parties are pushing for a prohibition on TV ads for gambling services and alcoholic beverages from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, citing concerns over the impact on youth.

The groups are also pressing the government for an explanation as to why there are no current limits on advertising for gambling and alcohol, despite both being restricted to those who are 18 and older.

Presently, alcohol advertising regulations are described as vague and insufficient, leading to consumer confusion.

Gambling advertisements are not subjected to any timing restrictions, which Conservatives argue expose minors to gambling-related content, increasing the risk of impulsive behavior and addiction.

Ignored Calls for Action from the Office of Gambling Regulation

Back in 2019, the Slovak Gambling Act was amended in order to match the European Commission’s guidelines concerning market competition. 

This enabled online casino and poker games to break away from the state-run TIPOs’ monopoly.

However, despite these alterations to the European country’s gambling laws, advertising regulations remained untouched, with the Office of Gambling Regulation’s repeated calls for action remaining unheard.

The suggested ban on daytime gambling and alcohol advertisements represents a key step in overhauling Slovakia’s advertising and media regulations. 

The goal is to close existing gaps and address the current inconsistencies in the promotion of products that are restricted by consumers’ age.

While Slovakia requires a local presence to run gambling activities, licenses may be granted to entities established or resident in another EU member state, provided they have a Slovak-seated and registered representative. 

The country oversees gambling activities via its watchdog, the Office for the Regulation of Gambling Games.