Martin Bohoš on the growth of iGaming in Slovakia
Despite its relatively small area, Slovakia has seen notable growth in the iGaming market. According to a report by the Slovak Gambling Regulatory Authority (Úrad pre reguláciu hazardných hier, URHH), GGR 2024 was €1.45bn, almost 10% higher than in 2023. As a result, the state budget revenue from iGaming taxes reached €347.3 million, showing a year-on-year increase of €45.8 million. Compared to 2022, the state’s gambling revenue increased by more than €90 million.
SiGMA News asked former URHH Chief Executive Martin Bohoš how the regulator manages to keep the market growing while maintaining responsible gambling measures and combating illegal operators. Bohoš currently serves as Director of Licensing, Fees, and Contributions Management and Deputy Director General for Gambling Regulation.
The change of position is a logical decision
Last month, Jana Mravíková stepped into your role as the director of ÚRHH. How do you view this leadership transition, and what will be your new responsibilities within the organisation?
In the course of 2024, I announced to the Ministry of Finance my interest in focusing my professional activity from 2025 primarily on the area of gambling regulation. This statement also entailed a change in my job title within the ÚRHH. Jana Mravíková took up the post of Director General from her position as Director of Economics and Operations, which was an excellent decision to maintain continuity in the operations of ÚRHH. I currently serve as the Director of Licensing, Levy, and Contributions Management and as the Deputy Director General for Gambling Regulation.
The extraordinary dynamics of development in the field of gambling, particularly in the online environment, and the related increasing demands on gambling regulation also give rise to an ever-increasing need for my personal and professional input and my participation in the development of the ÚRHH methodologies, expert opinions, and guidelines; this change is a logical solution.
Three growth factors of iGaming in Slovakia
Despite Slovakia’s relatively small geographic size, its iGaming sector has experienced significant growth in the number of bets placed. Would you say this expansion is supported by broader social dialogue and public engagement?
In our view, the significant growth in online gambling is primarily driven by three key factors. Firstly, the strong dominance of online casinos is key to growth across the sector, and this dominance is linked to innovation in digital services and a shift in consumer behaviour, which is increasingly using online platforms. Additionally, in online gambling, marketing tools exist that enable a targeted and highly effective acquisition of new players, as well as tools to retain them.
Secondly, there is the increased, virtually unlimited availability of gambling via the Internet and mobile devices, which allows easier access to gambling anywhere and at any time.
Thirdly, effective state regulation does not create significant obstacles to doing business in this segment in Slovakia while simultaneously striving to consistently maintain a healthy competitive environment and create conditions for the consistent implementation of responsible and safe gambling principles.
Responsible gaming for Gen Z
How is ÚRHH ensuring a balance between market expansion and responsible gaming practices in Slovakia?
ÚRHH pursues a policy of open communication with operators. We consider this to be a significant and effective way of finding tools for balanced regulation. This policy of the ÚRHH has resulted, for example, in the adoption of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Gambling Advertising, which, although it is a self-regulatory document, also contains practical tools for monitoring compliance with it.
The ÚRHH also carries out awareness-raising activities on responsible gambling among adolescents and vulnerable groups. Gen Z is currently the key group that will be the most interesting customer segment for gambling operators in the near future. That is why we are also talking openly about the risks of gambling and about marketing practices that target young people as future players.
Potential regulatory changes in Slovakia
With the evolving industry landscape, do you see a need for new licensing frameworks or stricter regulations for Slovakian operators?
The current legal framework for the operation of gambling in Slovakia is determined by the 2019 legislation, a six-year-old law that has not undergone substantial amendments since its enactment. The Authority has repeatedly pointed out and pointed to the need for systemic, legislative, and technological changes in the field of gambling regulation, which is mainly triggered by the dynamic development in the field of digital and information technologies and the Internet, the need for more rigorous protection of vulnerable groups of persons and the need to introduce practical tools to prevent access to illegal gambling from the territory of the Slovak Republic.
An important objective of future legislative changes should also be to review and strengthen legal instruments promoting the principles of safe and responsible gambling. There is no need to change the licensing principle itself, where, once the legal conditions are met, an individual license is granted without the subjective involvement of the Authority’s staff in the authorisation procedure. This system ensures the transparency of the licensing procedure by establishing precise criteria for license granting and minimising subjective decision-making.
Cryptolegalisation in Slovakia is not under consideration
What emerging trends, such as AI, esports betting, and crypto integration, do you find most promising for the industry, and which pose potential risks?
I believe that artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly enhance the user experience in gambling through improved risk management, more efficient decision-making, and enhanced security. AI can detect patterns and trends in player behaviour that mainstream analysts may overlook, leading to more informed decisions when developing policies for responsible and safer gaming.
Regarding cryptocurrencies, which are becoming increasingly integrated into the gambling industry, Slovakia is not currently considering the legalisation of traditional cryptocurrencies for several reasons. We think cryptocurrencies to be too risky and very difficult to control.
On the other hand, the deployment of artificial intelligence in gambling may also raise various ethical questions. For example, artificial intelligence may cause unwanted support for the development and use of technology in the field of gambling operations, which may also result in increased exposure to the risk of non-substance addiction.
On the playing behaviour of Slovaks
Can you describe the typical behaviour of Slovakian gamblers? Are there unique playing patterns compared to other European markets?
The behaviour of players within countries in the Central European area does not differ significantly. It remains the case that a player focused on the land-based segment prefers this type of establishment and does not automatically transition to the online space in the event of its unavailability. In Slovakia, specifically in the capital, Bratislava, due to the validity of the ban on gambling in gambling halls and casinos issued by the city, we have justified concerns about the increase in illegal gambling.
In recent periods, the ÚRHH has primarily intervened against illegal establishments in Bratislava. The last legal casino in Bratislava is set to close in autumn this year, and the Slovak capital will have no legal gambling halls or casinos. The consequences probably do not require explanation.
Regarding the behaviour of players in the online space, we are witnessing a significant growth in interest in Internet gambling. The typical player has established accounts with several Internet gambling operators licensed by ÚRHH; however, I must also state that the level of participation of Slovak players in gambling games operated by unlicensed entities remains too high.
Willingness to share experience
What international partnerships or collaborations is ÚRHH pursuing further to support the growth of Slovakia’s iGaming industry?
The ÚRHH is integrated within standard supranational organisations such as IAGR and GREF. We are interested in developing communication with regulators, especially those from countries located in Central Europe. However, the Balkan countries also appear to be very inspiring in terms of the development of the gaming industry and the future of iGaming. As the gambling sector itself is not harmonised within the European Union countries, we are interested in sharing our experience with other countries on a voluntary basis.
This article was first published in Russian on 16 June 2025.
