Zagreb - Members of the Croatian Parliament from both the ruling majority and the opposition on Thursday praised the final draft of amendments to the Gambling Act, which introduces a ban on betting terminals in hospitality venues from the beginning of next year.
The bill also introduces measures for the socially responsible organisation of gambling, mandatory identification of all players, the establishment of a register of excluded players, regulation of Sunday operations, and restrictions on gambling advertising.
"I am looking forward to the adoption of this bill. In the second reading, we have made a significant step towards the public interest and the protection of citizens' health, particularly that of children and young people," said Ivana Kekin (We Can!).
"Better regulation is something we must implement, primarily for young people and for all those who have fallen into gambling addiction," Petar Šimić of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) said. The amendments were also welcomed by Ivica Kukavica from the Homeland Movement, a junior partner in the governing coalition.
Calls for a total ban on gambling advertising
Božo Petrov (Bridge) also welcomed the changes but argued that gambling should not be advertised at all. "If other addictions are not advertised, I see no reason why this addiction should be promoted in any way," he said.
Anka Mrak Taritaš (Civic Liberal Alliance) agreed that progress had been made but also advocated for a complete ban on gambling advertising in public spaces.
Under the bill, advertising restrictions include a ban on gambling ads between 6:00 and 23:00 on the internet, in audiovisual and radio programmes, and in electronic publications.
Additionally, gambling advertisements will be prohibited in print media and in public spaces, while the external visibility of gambling premises will be reduced. Sponsorship advertising is not banned but may only include the company name, logo and brand name of the gambling operator.
Furthermore, the bill bans the appearance of celebrities and media influencers in gambling advertisements.
Lalovac: HAKOM to play a key role in law enforcement
"I fully support this and thank the Ministry of Finance and the Government for taking such a strong stance in tackling this addiction," said Boris Lalovac (Social Democratic Party). He emphasised that the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) would play a crucial role in enforcing the law by blocking illegal digital platforms offering gambling services.
Stronger oversight and tighter regulation were also supported by Marijana Puljak (Centre).
Presenting the bill, State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance Stipe Župan said that a number of measures would be implemented to reduce the accessibility and visibility of gambling, limit the encouragement of gambling participation, and reduce the incidence of gambling addiction.
"It is expected that players will receive greater protection against addiction, that mechanisms for addiction treatment will be strengthened, that minors and vulnerable groups will be safeguarded from gambling, and that the availability of incentives to participate in gambling will be significantly reduced," Župan stated.
The state secretary announced that a regulation would set the permitted distance of betting shops from schools and children's playgrounds.