As a recognition of N1 Partners’ growth and achievements, the company has received three nominations at the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026, with voting open until May 4.N1...
Croatia to implement drastic changes to its gambling laws
Croatia to overhaul gambling laws, aiming to modernize gambling regulations, strengthen consumer protections, and address rising concerns over youth addiction.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković is positioning the reform as a central mandate of his third term in office. It is set to take full effect by 2026 and will include mandatory player identification, a national self-exclusion register, stricter advertising rules, and a progressive tax system on player winnings.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated:
“Gambling has spread significantly through the digital space, and we must consider its impact on young generations, which is detrimental. We need to influence the reduction of gambling addiction and much better regulate this activity.”
The government plans to ban self-service betting terminals in cafes and restaurants and impose minimum distance requirements between gambling venues and schools or religious sites. This means that up to 60% of betting shops may be relocated or closed under the new rules.
Gambling advertising on TV, radio, and digital platforms will be banned between 6 am and 11 pm, with a prohibition on endorsements by celebrities, athletes, or influencers. iGaming operators will be responsible for preventing underage exposure, while print and outdoor ads will be heavily restricted.
State Secretary Tereza Rogić Lugarić shared:
“Technological progress has made gambling just too accessible. These measures are designed to reassert the boundaries of conduct and responsibility of gambling.”
A revised tax regime will be introduced, replacing the flat tax with a tiered system ranging from 10% on winnings under €1,500 to 30% on sums above €70,000. Licensing fees for land-based casinos will rise to €600,000 annually, with similar increases for online and retail operators.
A new regulatory authority will oversee compliance, licensing, and enforcement. Croatian banks will be required to block payments to unlicensed operators, and authorities have begun testing keyword-based detection tools to combat illegal gambling sites.
DraftKings has announced that it is planning to enter Alberta’s regulated iGaming market by launching online casino and sportsbook products in the province in July 2026.
...
