The Slovakian gaming authority revealed in a statement that Slovakian citizens placed a total of €21.4 billion ($23.1 billion/£18.3 billion) in wagers during 2023.
The overall sum of bets made by Slovakians in 2023 reached €21.4 billion, with the online gambling sector experiencing rapid growth.
Martin Bohoš, the head of the Slovakian gaming authority, stated that Slovakian players claimed €20.4 billion in winnings. The contribution to the nation rose by over €50 million year-over-year, reaching over €301 million.
Of the national contribution, online taxes generated €93 million, while fixed-odds betting contributed €80.48 million. Meanwhile, brick-and-mortar casinos added €61.9 million to the state’s coffers.
The online gambling market continues to dominate, with 90% of Slovakians favoring online wagering. However, for digital lotteries, online betting only accounts for 14% of bets, as Slovakians still prefer to play lottery games at physical locations.
The tax rate for fixed-odds betting in Slovakia is 22% of online operators’ gross gaming revenue (GGR), and 6% of land-based companies’ revenue. Meanwhile, for casinos, the tax rate for online operators is again 22%. For brick-and-mortar casinos, 27% of GGR goes to the state, and 3% goes to the municipality where the casino is situated.
The regulatory body is actively working to combat illegal operators.
Bohosh highlighted that Slovak authorities are facing persistent difficulties from illicit online operators. However, he also underscored that data reveals that efforts to combat illegal gaming are “successful,” particularly concerning technical equipment like quiz machines in pubs and other food service establishments.
Authorities are actively seeking out online black market operators, including loot boxes in video games, which has broadened the battle against illegal operators online. Regulators possess the authority to penalize advertising by illegal operators.
Bohosh outlined the dangers of certain cities attempting to prohibit gambling, stating that such restrictive measures could drive players toward a potentially harmful underground market.
“I trust this subject will ignite a broader societal dialogue, because if someone believes that by outlawing legal gambling in a major city, the gambling issue will be resolved, yes, legal gambling will be resolved, but the risk of illegal gambling will remain substantial.”
Authorities declared in May 2023 that they conducted 2,511 inspections in the initial quarter. This is 201 more than in the same period in 2022. Digital inspections surged by 90% compared to the first quarter of 2022.
Local restrictions are anticipated to diminish land-based casino contributions
Even though land-based casinos contributed €61.9 million to the state budget in 2023, regulators anticipate this figure to decrease by 22% by 2025.
This is due to some strict rules enforced by local governments.
Local governments have the authority to control gambling activities within their jurisdictions. These powers encompass prohibiting physical gambling establishments and other limitations, such as restricting specific locations.
Bohoš also criticized Slovak towns and cities for neglecting the nation’s gambling policy.
Which gambling offerings are accessible in Slovakia?
Sporting events wagering, horse racing betting, poker, and casinos are all regulated gambling products in Slovakia. Meanwhile, lotteries and bingo are exclusively managed by the state-owned monopoly provider Tipos.
Slovakia’s gambling legislation went into effect on March 1, 2019. The legislation permits foreign private operators to apply for sports betting and casino licenses, although sports betting licenses did not become effective until July 1, 2020.
In 2022, the country’s regulatory body released a list of approved websites where operators are authorized to conduct business in Slovakia.
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