Is Online Gambling Legal in Croatia?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Croatia and is regulated under the Games of Chance Act (Official Gazette Nos. 87/09, etc.). The Act defines gambling as any game where players pay a stake for the chance to win money, goods, services, or rights, with the outcome depending primarily on chance or another uncertain event.
This legal framework guarantees that online casinos, sports betting platforms, and other operators can provide services to Croatian players as long as they comply with the prescribed standards and hold the necessary licenses. For players, this means access to a regulated market where fair play and secure, fast withdrawals are supported by law.
The Games of Chance Act recognizes four main categories of gambling:
- Lottery games
- Betting games
- Casino games
- Slot machine games
Note: While most gambling products are permitted, the lottery is treated as a state monopoly and can only be operated by Hrvatska Lutrija LLC, the national lottery company.
Gambling Regulators and Licensing in Croatia
The regulation and supervision of gambling activities in Croatia fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance. Acting on behalf of the Government, the Ministry issues licenses, supervises operators, and enforces compliance with national gambling laws.
Oversight is grounded in the Games of Chance Act, which regulates the sector. This law defines the categories of gambling, establishes the licensing framework, sets rules for how gambling income is distributed, and empowers the Ministry to supervise all operations. To guarantee consistency, the Ministry also issues detailed rulebooks that outline the technical and operational standards required for each type of gambling activity, including online casinos.
Beyond the Games of Chance Act, operators are also subject to wider regulatory frameworks:
| Regulation | Purpose in the Gambling Sector |
| Act on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (AML Act) | Requires casinos and betting platforms to apply strict anti-money laundering measures, verify player identities (KYC), and report suspicious transactions. |
| General Tax Act | Establishes the tax obligations that apply to gambling operators to confirm compliance with Croatia’s overall tax system. |
| Corporate Income Tax Act | Governs how gambling operators declare and pay corporate income tax on their profits, which contributes to national revenue. |
These laws strengthen financial transparency, reinforce consumer protection, and confirm that gambling earnings are properly taxed and monitored.
For players, this regulatory environment provides assurance that licensed casinos must adhere to strict standards. It also means that fast withdrawal casinos in the country are obligated to process payments securely, follow anti-money laundering rules, and operate with transparency.
