The Croatian Association of Game Operators (HUPIS) has expressed “serious concern” over amendments to the Law on Games of Chance currently progressing through the country’s parliament, claiming the measures constitute an inappropriate regulatory burden that could damage the legal gambling sector.

While stating it supported the principles of corporate social responsibility and consumer protection, HUPIS warns the reforms could have serious consequences for the legal industry, employment and the state budget.

The association said: “HUPIS welcomes any form of cooperation with state institutions in order to achieve sustainable, accountable and transparent regulation. However, we warn that the law, in its current form, does not balance the need for consumer protection and the preservation of a legal market.

“We call on the authorities to take into account the expert opinions of the industry, include us in the dialogue, and develop feasible and proportionate solutions that will truly have the desired effect – protecting citizens, combatting the shadow economy, and preserving jobs.”

The bill includes a complete ban on self-service terminals in catering establishments, mandatory player identification in physical locations, and establishment of a central register of excluded persons under the Croatian Institute of Public Health’s authority.

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Additional measures include strict advertising prohibitions, affecting press, public areas, and external visibility of gambling establishments, along with sanctions that could revoke operating licences for non-compliance with social responsibility measures.

HUPIS argues these regulations do not distinguish between licensed operators and those operating illegally.

The association also pointed to international examples where similar regulatory interventions allegedly backfired, highlighting Germany, Italy, France and Australia as negative case studies.

If implemented without modification, HUPIS claims Croatia risks closure of over 70% of physical gambling locations and the loss of thousands of jobs.

The association further warns of consumption shifting toward unregulated channels, resulting in lost tax revenue and market control, while weakening legal operations.

While industry opposes the reforms, the amendments come amid widespread concern about problem gambling in Croatia.

When presenting the bill to parliament, the government highlighted research stating approximately 5% of the adult population have a significant problem with gambling.

The minister of finance, Marko Primorac, added that 73% of high school students have gambled at least once, with 13% meeting the criteria for a high-level of gambling-related problems.