Croatia Accused of Violating EU Rules on Gambling Regulation

A dispute over gambling reform in Croatia has reached Brussels after the European Gambling and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT) filed a formal complaint with the European Commission. The organization claims the Croatian government breached EU law by failing to notify the Commission about amendments to its Gambling Act introduced earlier this year.

Good to Know

• EU member states must notify the European Commission before introducing laws that affect market access or impose technical rules.
• Croatia’s new Gambling Act adds ID verification, ad restrictions, and a central self-exclusion register.
• EUROMAT says the lack of notification violates EU obligations and harms fair competition.

The new regulations, outlined in March, include mandatory ID systems for players, strict limits on gambling venue layouts, and a full ban on online and social-media advertising. Croatia also introduced a national self-exclusion registry designed to promote responsible gaming.

However, EUROMAT argues that these sweeping measures were enacted without the legally required notice to the European Commission—a step designed to ensure that national rules do not conflict with the principles of the single market.

EUROMAT Accuses Croatia of Ignoring EU Procedures

In a statement, EUROMAT condemned what it called “open disregard for established EU procedures,” warning that Croatia’s actions set a dangerous precedent for other member states. The organization added that unapproved exemptions and regulatory privileges could create an uneven market, favoring some operators over others.

“Such open disregard for established EU procedures raises serious concerns,” EUROMAT said. “What message does it send to other member states if one country can so blatantly and openly ignore rules that all others are expected to respect?”

EUROMAT President Jason Frost described the complaint as a necessary step to protect the single market. “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,” Frost said.

He added that the EU notification process exists to ensure national legislation aligns with EU principles and that Croatia’s decision “not only breaches EU law; it also threatens legal certainty for businesses across Europe.”

Filip Jelavić, Secretary General of the Croatian Gaming Association (HUPIS), echoed those concerns, accusing the government of sidelining both stakeholders and EU institutions. “By failing to notify, it has prevented scrutiny of measures that fundamentally distort competition and harm different segments of the gaming sector,” he said.

What Now?

The European Commission will now assess EUROMAT’s complaint and determine whether Croatia’s Gambling Act violates EU law. If the Commission finds grounds for action, the process could lead to formal infringement proceedings.

Industry observers say the case could have wider implications for how EU member states implement gambling reforms, particularly when it comes to transparency and market access requirements under single-market law.

FAQ

Why did EUROMAT file a complaint?

Because Croatia introduced changes to its Gambling Act without notifying the European Commission, violating EU law that ensures market fairness.

What are Croatia’s new gambling rules?

They include mandatory player IDs, limits on venue locations and layouts, an advertising ban, and a self-exclusion registry.

What could happen next?

The European Commission may launch infringement proceedings if it finds that Croatia breached EU obligations.

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