Key Moments:
- Euromat has formally submitted a complaint to the European Commission over amendments to Croatia’s Gambling Act.
- The complaint alleges Croatia introduced technical rules without notifying the Commission as required by Directive (EU) 2015/1535.
- Changes in the law cover player identification, advertising bans, restrictions on gambling venue operations, and a self-exclusion register.
Euromat Flags Breach of EU Procedure
The European Gambling and Amusement Federation (Euromat) has taken action by filing a formal complaint with the European Commission over amendments to Croatia’s Gambling Act. According to Euromat, the Croatian government implemented significant technical regulations impacting market access and the provision of gambling services without following the prescribed protocol of notifying the European Commission via the Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS), as mandated by Directive (EU) 2015/1535.
Euromat has lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission over Croatia’s amendments to its Gambling Act, citing a failure to notify the Commission about the changes and related regulations.#CryptoNews #Web3 #iGaming #Blockchain #Euromat #GamblingRegulation #EU pic.twitter.com/csvXaqtQGf
— Times Of Casino (@Times_of_Casino) October 21, 2025
Overview of Regulatory Amendments
The recent amendments introduced by Croatia include requirements for mandatory player identification, regulations dictating where and how gambling venues can be situated and configured, a blanket ban on all online and social-media advertising, newly imposed time-based restrictions for gambling operations, and the establishment of a centralized player self-exclusion system.
| Key Amendment | Description |
|---|---|
| Player Identification | Implementation of mandatory systems to verify player identities. |
| Venue Regulations | Restrictions on the location and layout of gambling establishments. |
| Advertising Ban | Prohibition of all online and social-media gambling advertisements. |
| Operation Timing | Introduction of temporal restrictions for when venues may operate. |
| Self-Exclusion Register | Centralized registry for players opting to self-exclude from gambling. |
Potential Implications for EU Businesses
Failure to notify the European Commission of these regulatory changes is considered a breach of EU law. Euromat asserts that the lack of notification threatens legal certainty for enterprises operating within the single market. “This complaint marks an important first step in the EU’s legal process. Complaints such as that filed by Euromat are a key tool to alert the Commission to potential breaches of EU law. Based on Euromat’s complaint, the European Commission will be able to assess the evidence and decide on the next steps, including whether to open infringement proceedings against Croatia,” said Euromat president Jason Frost.
“The notification procedure exists to ensure that national measures are compatible with the principles of the single market. Croatia’s decision to ignore this obligation not only breaches EU law; it also threatens legal certainty for businesses across Europe. The Commission must act decisively to uphold the integrity of the internal market.”
- Author
Daniel Williams
