Slovakia gets new gambling authority chief amid online betting boom
Slovakia’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (URHH) has appointed Jana Mravíková as its new director general. This move comes amid major shifts in the country’s gambling market, especially the growth of online platforms and persistent challenges from unlicensed operators.
The new director general replaces Martin Bohoš, who voluntarily stepped down but will remain with the URHH to focus on regulatory affairs. Mravíková was previously the Director of the Economics and Operations Department within the Slovak government, he . The leadership change comes with changing market dynamics, especially the record growth of Slovakia’s gambling industry, with total gambling turnover reaching €24.2 billion ($27.5 billion) in 2024. This marked a 14 percent increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the sector generated €347.3 million in tax revenues, growing by €45.8 million from the corresponding period.
Online platforms lead growth
The record growth was led by online platforms, with internet casinos clocking in €12.8 billion in wagers and nearly €476 million in revenue. This represents an increase of 29.9 percent year-on-year. Online gambling also delivered €126 million in tax contributions—up about 35.1 percent from the previous year. On the other hand, land-based gambling revenues showed mixed performance. Brick-and-mortar casinos brought in €8.92 billion in wagers and tax contributions rose 26 percent to €16.4 million. However, gaming halls’ tax revenue declined by 5 percent to €58 million. Sports betting brought it €2.73 billion in wagers, yielding €86.91 million in tax income.
In 2024 alone, URHH faced mounting pressure from unlicenced operators, leading to blacklisting of 89 unauthorised gambling sites in the year. This has pushed the total to over 820. Despite these efforts, illegal platforms continue to attract players. To fight back, the regulator is pushing for IP address blocking authority—an enforcement tool that would allow direct disruption of blacklisted sites. The URHH has also proposed legislative changes to tighten advertising regulations. However, the National Council of Slovakia has yet to approve the necessary reforms.
No new gambling laws since 2019
Reforms in Slovakia are the need of the hour as no new gambling laws have been enacted since the . As the gambling market grows, so do calls for enhanced consumer protections and advertising oversight. The URHH has maintained that protecting vulnerable players and restricting aggressive advertising remain top concerns. These steps are crucial to ensure orderly development of Slovakia’s rapidly growing regulated gambling market.
