Croatian legislators Božo Petrov and Marin Miletić have expressed concerns over the effectiveness of the country’s 2025 gambling legislation, warning that it still leaves children and young people vulnerable to gambling promotion. They highlighted that gaps in enforcement, sponsorship practices, and new legal loopholes have hindered the law’s capacity to provide real safeguards. Croatia’s Gambling Laws
During a Tuesday press conference, Petrov and Miletić pointed out that, despite some regulatory advances, the law falls short of its primary objective: shielding minors from gambling-related harms. Petrov explained that operators have exploited ambiguous provisions within the law to shift their advertising presence from traditional channels into sponsorship arrangements. This shift has led to increased visibility of betting and casino logos in sports, culture, and public events. Of particular concern, he noted, are instances where children and underage athletes wear jerseys adorned with gambling logos, which he argues normalizes gambling in spaces that should be safe from such influences.
Miletić echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the government has failed to curb promotional activities linked to sports sponsorships. He expressed disapproval of children wearing shirts with bookmaker logos, stressing that sports should not serve as a platform for gambling promotion, especially when young audiences are involved. The lawmakers criticized the law’s practical application, asserting that operators continue to maintain high levels of visibility despite new restrictions, embedding their branding into everyday environments accessible to minors.
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Petrov further highlighted ongoing issues with operators’ compliance, noting that some refuse to register players in the official exclusion list despite legal obligations. This problem is particularly troubling for individuals attempting to cease gambling. He also pointed out a loophole involving hospitality venues: some businesses have replaced betting terminals with gambling machines after removing their original terminals, illustrating how businesses can quickly adapt when regulations lack clarity. The lawmakers stressed that these regulatory gaps demand urgent legislative attention.
The political party Most is advocating for amendments aimed at closing these loopholes and preventing covert advertising through sponsorships. Petrov and Miletić linked this issue to their “Freedom of Our Youth” campaign, which promotes a comprehensive national strategy addressing online gambling, alcohol, drugs, and internet addiction. They framed the gambling debate within a broader context of public health and youth protection, indicating that future policy efforts will prioritize enforcement and investigate unintended consequences related to sponsorship practices, venue-based gambling, and player protection measures. Croatia’s Gambling Laws
