Zagreb - Parliament will discuss amendments to the law on games of chance on Wednesday, which aim to introduce restrictions in this area and shift towards reducing gambling and betting addiction.
An analysis of socially responsible measures for organising games of chance has shown that stricter regulations are needed for entering establishments where such games are held. As a result, identification of all players entering these venues will be required, with lottery games being the only exception, as they are considered lower-risk forms of gambling.
In betting and casino games, both online and in physical locations, only individuals over 18 who undergo identification will be allowed to participate. The identification procedure will be defined by a specific rulebook.
Minors will be prohibited from participating in games and entering betting shops and casinos, which will be responsible for enforcing these bans.
A new feature is the introduction of a register of self-excluded players, which will be managed by the Croatian Institute of Public Health. Individuals with gambling addiction issues will be able to voluntarily register, which will prevent them from accessing games of chance at any provider.
The amendments proposed by the government would also completely ban advertising of gambling providers in print media, and on television and radio between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., except for a 15-minute window before, during, and after sporting events.
Advertising games of chance would be prohibited on all publicly visible surfaces, except for the external parts of venues where such games are held. The amendments also aim to prevent illegal online gambling operators.