Slovenia has one of the most regulated gambling frameworks in the European Union. Whether you’re a player, operator, or affiliate, understanding how Slovenian gambling laws work is essential. This guide breaks down the key legal requirements, licensing rules, restrictions, and penalties that define the gambling environment in Slovenia.
Overview of Gambling Regulation in Slovenia
Gambling in Slovenia is regulated by:
- The Gaming Act (Zakon o igrah na srečo)
- Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS)
- Slovenian Government (for licensing & concessions)
These authorities control everything from online casino operations to sports betting, lotteries, tax collection, and consumer protection.
Types of Legal Gambling in Slovenia
Slovenian law divides gambling into two main categories:
1. Classic Games (traditional gambling)
Includes:
- Lotteries
- Tombolas
- Raffles
These are typically run by national or government-approved operators.
2. Special Games (casino & betting games)
Includes:
- Casino table games
- Slot machines
- Online casinos
- Sports betting
- Interactive betting platforms
Special games require a separate, stricter concession.
Who Can Operate a Gambling Business in Slovenia?
Only companies that obtain a government concession can legally offer gambling services.
Requirements include:
- Company must be registered in Slovenia
- Must prove financial stability and clean corporate history
- Must meet technical and software standards
- Must implement responsible gambling policies
- Must pay concession fees and taxes
- Approval must be renewed periodically
Because the requirements are extremely strict, very few operators receive approval—especially for online casino services.
This is one reason many Slovenian players turn to offshore casinos, even though they are not locally licensed.
Online Gambling Licensing in Slovenia
Slovenia distinguishes between:
✔️ Licensed Slovenian online operators
Rare, heavily regulated, mostly tied to land-based casinos.
✔️ Foreign licensed operators (not approved in Slovenia)
Legal to access for players, but not legal for operators to advertise or run business directly in Slovenia.
❌ Unlicensed operators
Completely illegal for business operations; risk being blocked.
Advertising & Affiliate Restrictions
Slovenia imposes restrictions on how gambling websites may be promoted:
- Only licensed operators can advertise gambling services domestically
- Affiliates cannot legally promote unlicensed operators to Slovenian residents
- Violations may result in penalties for the operator, not the players
Despite the restrictions, many international casino sites still attract Slovenian traffic through English-language content.
Restrictions for Operators
Licensed operators must comply with strict rules:
1. Game fairness & RNG testing
Independent audits required.
2. Secure payment processing
Anti-money laundering (AML) compliance is mandatory.
3. Player identity verification (KYC)
Slovenia follows EU KYC standards.
4. Responsible gambling features
Operators must offer:
- deposit limits
- time limits
- self-exclusion
- risk warnings
5. Reporting obligations
All financial results and tax records must be submitted to Slovenian authorities.
What’s Illegal Under Slovenian Gambling Law?
| Action | Legal status |
|---|---|
| Running an online casino without a concession | ❌ Illegal |
| Advertising unauthorized gambling operators | ❌ Illegal |
| Operating gambling equipment without approval | ❌ Illegal |
| Players accessing foreign casinos | ✔️ Not illegal |
| Players playing offshore | ✔️ Allowed |
This is a key distinction:
👉 Operators may violate the law — players almost never do.
Penalties for Illegal Gambling Operations
Slovenia imposes strict penalties on unauthorized operators:
Fines can include:
- €10,000 to €500,000 for businesses
- €2,000 to €25,000 for responsible individuals
- Confiscation of equipment
- Website blocking or domain seizure
Players themselves are not prosecuted, even when using offshore casinos.
Website Blocking in Slovenia
FURS has the ability to block websites offering unauthorized gambling.
However:
- Blocking is inconsistent
- Players often bypass blocks using alternate domains
- Many offshore casinos remain accessible
Because of this, the Slovenian gambling market is a mix of regulated domestic services and unregulated international options.
Future of Gambling Regulation in Slovenia
Slovenia has been evaluating reforms to modernize its gambling framework, including:
- opening the licensing market to more operators
- updating tax rules
- aligning with broader EU standards
- improving player safety online
Reform is expected, but no timeline is officially confirmed.
Key Takeaways
- Online and offline gambling are legal but strictly regulated.
- Only a few operators hold Slovenian concessions.
- Foreign casinos operate outside the Slovenian licensing system but are accessible and not illegal for players.
- Operators, not players, face penalties for unlicensed activity.
- Future reforms may expand the market and improve clarity.
FAQ — Slovenia Gambling Laws
Is gambling legal in Slovenia?
Yes, but only licensed operators may provide gambling services.
Are foreign casinos allowed?
Not authorized, but players can legally access them.
Do players get fined?
No — penalties target operators, not users.
Do casinos need a license?
Absolutely. A government concession is required.
Will the laws change soon?
Reforms are being discussed but not confirmed.
