Gambling in Slovakia: report reveals a third of players bet on illegal sites
The Institute for Gambling Regulation in Slovakia (IPRHH), established in 2024, has released its first official report on illegal gambling in the country, with a particular focus on unlicensed online platforms. Presented in Bratislava and developed in collaboration with the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the study paints an alarming picture, shedding light on the structure, mechanisms and social risks linked to the phenomenon.
According to the findings, almost 24% of Slovak players admitted to using unauthorised sites, while a similar share is unable to distinguish between legal and illegal platforms. The most vulnerable are young people and individuals with a lower level of education, often lured by generous bonuses, simplified registrations and a broader variety of games. Even more concerning is that 13% of users active on illegal sites are listed in the national register of excluded persons – a tool designed to prevent their access to legal gambling, but which is easily bypassed online.
Lack of safeguards and high risks
IPRHH’s executive director, Dávid Lenčéš, emphasised that illegal operators evade all forms of control: no spending limits, no verification of players’ identities, and a complete absence of responsible gambling measures. In such conditions, players face significant risks, from unpaid winnings to data misuse, as well as a higher likelihood of developing gambling addiction.
But the damage extends well beyond individuals. According to the report, illegal gambling drains hundreds of millions of euros each year from the state budget – resources that could be directed towards healthcare, education and prevention programmes. The unregulated environment also provides fertile ground for money laundering and other criminal activities, with far-reaching implications for society and public safety.
Young people and new forms of gambling at risk
One of the most troubling aspects concerns minors. An IPSOS survey from 2023 found that 31% of Slovaks aged between 15 and 17 had experienced illegal online gambling. A combination of digital literacy and curiosity makes them particularly vulnerable to operators exploiting regulatory gaps.
The report also highlights new trends that normalise gambling among young audiences. Chief among them is the live streaming of gambling sessions on platforms such as Twitch, YouTube and TikTok, where influencers present gambling as an exciting and socially acceptable activity, often funded directly by illegal online casinos. Equally concerning are loot boxes in video games, mechanisms that mimic the dynamics of gambling under the guise of random rewards. International research confirms that early exposure to loot boxes significantly increases the risk of gambling addiction in adulthood.
Strategies to curb illegal gambling
To address these challenges, IPRHH has proposed a multi-layered strategy: strengthening the blocking of unlicensed sites, closer cooperation with banks and payment providers to disrupt transactions, national awareness campaigns, and more competitive conditions for licensed operators.
A crucial point raised by Lenčéš concerns the sustainability of the regulated market. Excessive taxation on authorised operators, he warned, risks driving players towards illegal platforms that appear more attractive but offer no protection. Regulation, he stressed, should focus on safeguarding citizens rather than strengthening the black market.
A market in transformation
The report also documents a structural shift in the gambling industry. Between 2019 and 2024, the number of licensed gambling venues in Slovakia almost halved, from 1,250 to 632, while video lottery terminals fell from more than 20,000 to around 13,000. This contraction, driven largely by stricter local regulations, has created gaps that are increasingly filled by the illegal market.
At the same time, online gambling has gained significant ground, accounting for 54% of the Slovak legal market in 2024. This rapid growth highlights not only a strong shift towards digital gambling but also the growing vulnerability of the sector, as illegal sites often disguise themselves as legitimate through foreign licences and aggressive advertising aimed at Slovak consumers.
A decisive challenge for the future
The Slovak case reflects a broader European trend, with neighbouring countries such as the Czech Republic also issuing official warnings against unauthorised online operators. Both recommend that players check official lists of licensed and banned sites before engaging with any gambling platform.
With one in three players exposed to unregulated platforms, Slovakia faces a challenge that is economic, social and cultural all at once. Building a safe and competitive legal market, capable of protecting citizens while depriving illegal gambling of its appeal, will be crucial for the future of the sector across Central Europe.
This article was first published in Italian on 26 August 2025.
