Gambling Laws in Slovenia

Most forms of gambling are legal in Slovenia. Numerous monopolies are in place to prevent residents from being able to experience the full scope of casino and sports betting though.

Which Types of Gambling are Legal in Slovenia?

Slovenia's 2012 Law on Gambling allows most activities but many can only be offered by a single operator, i.e. a monopoly. This current situation is deemed illegal by the EU as a lack of a formal licensing system doesn't allow foreign operators access to the Slovenian gambling industry.

Wagering on Casino Games

Land-based casinos are legal in Slovenia and have been since 1991. Operators are required to hold a licence issued by the country's Financial Administration. There is a limit to the number of licences that can be issued though. With a maximum of 15 for casinos and 45 for slot halls.

Online casino gambling is also legal and has been since 2016. However, the activity is under the monopoly control of Casino Portorož, the country's oldest casino operator. Since there's no formal licensing system for foreign companies to apply to - licensed online gambling sites are in the minority for residents. Due to the EU laws, residents cannot be prosecuted for playing at unlicensed platforms though many are blocked by the country's internet service providers.

Playing Real Money Poker

Poker gambling is legal but isn't played much in Slovenia. There aren't any clubs and no specific licence is available. Instead, the game is offered at existing casino venues, either on a few tables or in separate poker rooms.

Online poker isn't regulated though residents can still access and play games at the few sites that haven't been blocked, without the fear of prosecution.

Gambling on Bingo

Bingo was legal before Slovenia's independence from Yugoslavia, maintaining its legal status when the country broke away in 1991. Since games are classed as a lotto, they can only be offered by monopoly company Loterija Slovenije or Sportna Loterija. Most proceeds of gambling activities by the company go to charitable causes. Online bingo gambling is also legal but again comes under the monopoly of the country's lottery companies.

Purchasing Lottery Tickets and Scratchcards

Gambling on lottery games has been legal in Slovenia since 1991, with Loterija Slovenije the only entity permitted to offer draws. Residents can buy tickets for various games via the company's retail outlets. It's also possible to legally play online lottery games for real money via the Loterija Slovenije website. Where there are also instant win games, keno and scratch cards available.

Social Gambling and Online Crypto Casinos

The current gambling legislation in Slovenia does not mention social casinos, lootboxes or skins gambling, with such activities as yet unregulated.

Similarly, the Ministry of Finance doesn't recognise cryptos as a form of currency, so the country has no regulation when it comes to this type of gambling. None of the existing venues accept virtual currencies either. The only avenue available to residents of Slovenia is via foreign crypto casinos.

Slovenia: Is It Legal To Place Sports Bets?

Yes, and this has been the case since 1991. Sportna Loterija is the only operator permitted to offer in-person and online sports betting markets to residents.

Virtual and fantasy sports betting are both classed as sports betting for legal purposes and can only be offered by Sportna Loterija.

Minimum Age to Gamble in Slovenia

The legal gambling age is 18 years or older.

Slovenian Gambling Tax Regulations - Do Players Pay?

Tax regulations apply 3 different rates on gambling operators:

1. A general tax of anything between 5% and 18% of gross gambling revenue depending on the activity offered.

2. A licence fee from 5% to 45% of gross gambling revenue, again depending on the games offered.

3. A 15% tax on all gambling winnings over €300.

This is on top of the country's corporation tax of 19%, although there is no VAT charged. Since taxes are deducted at the source, players do not pay tax on their winnings.

History of Gambling Laws in Slovenia

Gambling in modern-day Slovenia dates back to 1913 and the opening of Casino Portorož, which is still in operation today. Gambling was legalised in 1965 when Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia. The country then gained independence in 1991 and gambling remained legal in the newly formed country while it created its own legislation.

In 1995 the Slovenian Gaming Act was passed, which fully legalised casinos, with locals permitted to enter such establishments (this was not the case in Yugoslavia). The 2012 Law on Gambling modernised existing laws, with amendments made in 2016 to also permit online gambling sites.

Key Facts

• Land-based casino gambling is legal in Slovenia, with a maximum of 15 casinos and 45 slot halls allowed to operate.

• Online casino gambling is legal but under the monopoly control of Casino Portorož.

• Land-based poker is legal but played only in casinos, while online poker isn't regulated.

• Both offline and online bingo are legal but under the monopoly control of Loterija Slovenije.

• Online lottery gaming is legal, but only via Loterija Slovenije.

• Offline and online sports betting are legal and under the monopoly of Loterija Slovenije subsidiary, Sportna Loterija.