Slovenia Gambling License Explained (How Operators Can Apply)

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Slovenia maintains one of the most tightly regulated gambling markets in Europe. Unlike open licensing jurisdictions (e.g., Malta or the UK), Slovenia restricts the number of gambling licenses and requires operators to obtain a government concession, not a standard application-based license.

This guide explains everything operators must know about the Slovenian licensing system:
how it works, who can apply, requirements, fees, and why foreign operators find it almost impossible to enter the Slovenian online casino market.

What Is a Slovenian Gambling License?

A Slovenian gambling license is officially known as a:

🎯 Government Concession for Organizing Games of Chance

It authorizes a company to legally operate:

casino games (online and land-based)
sports betting
slot halls
interactive digital gambling products

This concession is mandatory for any operator who wants to do business inside Slovenia.

Slovenia Does NOT Offer Open Licenses (Important!)

Unlike most modern EU gambling markets, Slovenia:

❌ does not allow open competition

❌ does not issue licenses to a large pool of applicants

❌ does not operate a simple application process

❌ does not accept foreign-based operators directly

Instead, it uses a restricted, concession-based monopoly model.

Only a small number of approved companies are allowed to operate gambling services, and new concessions are extremely rare.

Types of Gambling Concessions in Slovenia

Slovenia differentiates between two main concession types:

1. Concession for Classic Games

Typically includes:

lotteries
raffles
tombolas

These are usually operated by the national lottery or organizations with state involvement.

2. Concession for Special Games (Casino & Online Gambling)

Covers:

online casinos
physical casinos
sports betting
slot halls
interactive games

This concession category is the focus for online casino operators.

Who Can Apply for a Gambling License in Slovenia?

Any company applying must:

✔️ Be established as a Slovenian legal entity

✔️ Have a clean financial and legal record

✔️ Demonstrate substantial financial stability

✔️ Provide technical infrastructure meeting state standards

✔️ Offer responsible gambling tools

✔️ Prove compliance with AML and KYC requirements

✔️ Submit detailed operational plans

Foreign operators cannot apply unless they open a Slovenian company and meet all obligations.

Application Process for the Slovenian Gambling Concession

To obtain a concession, an operator must go through these steps:

1. Establishment of a Slovenian Company

The operator must register a company inside Slovenia.
Foreign entities cannot apply directly.

2. Submission of a Formal Request to the Government

A highly detailed request must include:

business plan
gaming software documentation
financial projections
responsible gambling policies
AML/KYC frameworks
technical system descriptions
internal control procedures
proof of capital
contracts with game providers

3. Government Review & Audit

Authorities will evaluate:

financial stability
criminal background
business integrity
technical system reliability
responsible gaming compliance
taxation capability

This phase is extremely strict and often requires months of review.

4. Security & Technical Certification

Gaming systems must pass:

independent testing
RNG certification
security checks
anti-fraud compliance
encryption & data protection audits

5. Payment of Concession Fees

Operators must pay:

an initial concession fee
annual maintenance fees
gambling tax based on revenue
additional special taxes depending on game type

These fees are substantial and discourage smaller applicants.

6. Government Approval (Rarely Granted)

Even if all requirements are met, the government may still reject applications because:

the number of concessions is limited,
existing operators are partially state-connected,
Slovenia aims to control gambling more tightly rather than expand it.

In practice, new concessions are extremely rare.

Why Foreign Operators Struggle to Obtain a Slovenian License

There are four main barriers:

1. Limited Market Structure

Slovenia does not aim to liberally expand its gambling market.

2. Government Discretion

Even strong applications may be rejected without specific justification.

3. Mandatory Local Establishment

Foreign operators must create a Slovenian company and operate locally.

4. High Cost & Regulatory Burden

Many operators choose to target Slovenia without a license instead.

Can Foreign Operators Serve Slovenian Players Without a License?

✔️ Yes — Slovenian players can legally access offshore casinos.

❌ No — foreign operators cannot legally operate or advertise inside Slovenia.

This is why many international casinos accept Slovenian players despite not holding a Slovenian concession.

Is It Worth Applying for a Slovenian Gambling License?

For most operators:

❌ No — the barriers are too high.

But for major EU casino companies or state-linked partnerships, it can be strategically valuable.

Will Slovenia Modernize Its Licensing System?

There are ongoing discussions about:

opening the market to more operators
updating outdated regulations
aligning with EU digital gambling guidelines
increasing tax revenue

However, no official timeline exists.

Key Takeaways: Slovenian Gambling Licensing

Slovenia uses a restricted concession model, not an open license system
New licenses are rarely granted
Foreign operators must open a Slovenian company to apply
Application requirements are complex, expensive, and highly regulated
Offshore operators can accept Slovenians but cannot legally advertise or build operations inside Slovenia
Market reform may come eventually, but not soon