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The Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) runs the system, and it went live this week. The government wants this to be the backbone of its new rules. The Ministry of Finance now has until January 1, 2026, to make sure every licensed gambling operator in the country is linked to the register.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković called these reforms the start of a “new system of coordination,” focused on cutting gambling-related harm and keeping a closer eye on betting.
Shifting to a Public Health Approach
Now, every gambling venue—casinos, arcades, betting shops—has to use electronic ID checks that connect to the Registar Igrača database. Staff need to verify who’s playing and check the exclusion list before letting anyone join in.
The Ministry of Finance also confirmed that by late 2025, self-service betting terminals (kladomati) found in cafés, bars, and other hangouts will disappear. On top of that, operators have to follow new ad rules—no more outside signs, branding, or promos on the street.
Officials say these changes aren’t just about ticking boxes; the goal is to stop gambling from feeling normal in public spaces and keep it out of sight for kids.
Tereza Rogić Lugarić, State Secretary, summed it up: “The reforms are about restoring balance—making sure gambling in Croatia happens with transparency, responsibility, and real care for public welfare.” She called it a “turning point” in national policy.
Facing a Real Public Health Problem
HZJZ research shows that gambling has exploded among young people. Around 73% of high schoolers have tried gambling at least once, and 13% already show signs of problem behavior—mostly young men.
Plenković has been blunt: this is a “public-health crisis” that hits over 40,000 Croatians. He’s promised these reforms will finally get gambling addiction “under control,” using tougher rules and better social protections.
What’s Next: Full Rollout in 2026
Phase two lands in January 2026, and it’s a big one. There’ll be a nationwide ban on gambling ads from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., a new tiered tax system on player winnings, and higher annual license fees for operators.
Of course, not everyone’s happy. The Croatian Association of Gambling Operators (HUBPS) says the changes could put up to 15,000 jobs at risk, especially for smaller local businesses.
Meanwhile, the European Gaming and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT) wants the European Commission to look into the reforms, arguing Croatia didn’t give Brussels a heads-up on changes that could affect the EU market.
A New Model for the Balkans
With Registar Igrača up and running, Croatia is the first country in the Balkans to bring public health, financial controls, and gambling regulations together under one national system.
The Ministry of Finance calls this “a new phase of socially responsible regulation.” They say it’s all about protecting players, limiting gambling’s reach, and making sure Croatia’s laws match up with European accountability standards.
By 2026, every gambling license in the country should be part of this new system. The government’s betting on it—saying it’ll bring more transparency, better player protection, and tighter financial oversight to the whole gambling sector.
Source: SBC News
