A coalition of Conservative parties in Slovakia is trying to push for a substantial rewrite of the Law of Advertising and Media Services, in order to increase protections for children and vulnerable groups.
In March, Martin Bohoš, Director General of the Office for Gambling Regulation, discussed the growing popularity of online casinos in Slovakia.
In parallel, official data reported €1.32 billion ($1.39 billion) in gambling losses in 2023, an increase of €130 million ($137 million) from the previous year, when total bets were €21.36 billion ($22.57 billion) and winnings were €20.04 billion ($21.18 billion).
Conservatives are now calling for restrictions on casino advertising legislation.
Proposed changes to “Law of Advertising and Media Services”
A coalition of Slovakia’s Conservative parties is calling for a comprehensive amendment of the Law of Advertising and Media Services to strengthen protections for young people and vulnerable groups.
The National Council has received a proposal from the political groupings Slovensko, For the People, and the Christian Union.
The trio hopes to modify Slovakian media laws, which now allow alcohol and gambling commercials with little restrictions.
The Conservative parties are advocating for a ban on TV commercials for gambling services and alcoholic beverages between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., citing worries about their impact on youngsters.
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The groups are also asking the government to explain why there are no current controls on gambling and alcohol advertising, despite the fact that both are forbidden to anyone over the age of 18.
Currently, alcohol advertising regulations are considered as imprecise and weak, causing consumer confusion.
Conservatives claim that the lack of timing limits on gambling commercials exposes kids to gambling-related content, raising the danger of impulsive conduct and addiction.
Ignored calls for action from the Office of Gambling Regulation.
Back in 2019, the Slovak Gambling Act was changed to align with the European Commission’s market competition principles.
This allowed internet casino and poker games to break free from the state-run TIPO monopoly.
Despite these changes to the European countries’ gambling legislation, advertising regulations remained unchanged, and the Office of Gambling Regulation’s repeated demands for action went unnoticed.
The proposed ban on daytime gambling and alcohol promotions is a significant step toward reforming Slovakia’s advertising and media legislation.
The purpose is to close existing gaps and resolve present discrepancies in the promotion of products based on consumer age.
While Slovakia requires a local presence to conduct gaming activities, licenses may be given to organizations formed or residing in another EU member state as long as they have a Slovak-seated and registered representative.
The Office for the Regulation of Gambling Games, the country’s watchdog, regulates gambling operations.
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