EUROMAT Advocates for Temporary Stop of Croatian Gambling Legislation Due to Breach of EU Regulations
Rob's Takeaway
- EUROMAT sounds the alarm over Croatia's latest gambling legislation
- Changes like ID checks, increased fees, and stricter regulations are coming
- If the law breaches EU law, it could face suspension or even legal action
Hi there! I'm Rob, a writer from Jersey Shore who dives into the world of casinos, software, and games. I've been crafting reviews, news, and blogs for over half a decade now, working with clients across the globe - from the states to the UK, down under, and all over. Before this, I studied psychology at Rutgers University, just for kicks I guess.feeling a bit artistic, I picked up my father's brush too, but writing's my main gig these days.
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A Deeper Look
EUROMAT's gripe with Croatia's new gambling act revolves around procedural lapses and market-restrictive measures. Here's the lowdown:
- TRIS Notification BlunderCroatia slipped up by not informing the EU Commission about proposed updates to the Gambling Act via the Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS). This oversight affects provisions like:
- Player ID requirements for entry
- Self-exclusion registries
- Advertising restrictions (no TV/radio ads between 4 am-11 pm, limited print/outdoor ads)[1][5]
- Operating limitations (location rules, restricted days)[1][5]
- Higher licensing fees and taxes on winnings[1][4]
- Market Access IssuesEUROMAT argues that these amendments might bar cross-border services and stop operators from investing due to legal ambiguity[4][5]. Without prior TRIS notification, stakeholders miss out on the chance to scrutinize the reforms' market impact during the mandatory TRIS halt period[1][5].
- Risky Legal PrecedentCroatia has faced EU intervention before in 2014 when it was forced to scrap gambling legislation[1]. EUROMAT President Jason Frost warns continually flouting EU rules could set a hazardous precedent for EU's internal market regulations[1].
What's At Stake
Ignoring EU rules might trigger EC legal action, often resulting in the law's suspension or infringement proceedings[5], as seen in recent cases like Lithuania’s gambling law challenge in March 2025[5]. The Croatian Association of Gambling Operators (HUBPS) also predicts 15,000 job losses due to the reforms[1].
- The latest gambling legislation in Las Vegas, similar to Croatia's, encompasses strict ID checks, higher fees, and market-restrictive measures, which could be a concern for the copywriter Lucas working in casino-and-gambling industries, given the potential impact on the EU-compatible market.
- As a gambler, Lucas may find the new free spins rules challenging due to the advertising restrictions in Croatia, where TV/radio ads are prohibited between 4 am-11 pm, and print/outdoor ads are limited.
- In the future, the gambling trends might show a trend of stricter regulations worldwide, following the steps set by Croatia, which could affect operators like EURomat and affect the income of a freelance copywriter like Lucas through fewer opportunities for work.
- The gambling-trends analysis by tools like EUROMAT's could help Lucas, the copywriter, stay informed about the latest legislation changes, such as the technically vague rules in Las Vegas, which could pose potential risks for his clients, eventually impacting his writing assignments and career.
