Slovenia set to liberalise gaming market

Slovenia’s National Assembly has approved the second reading on amendments to the Gaming Act. A final vote on the proposed changes will be held in March.

Slovenia’s National Assembly has approved amendments to the country’s Gaming Act on their second reading. A final vote on the changes will be held in March.

The Gaming Act´s amendments aim to liberalise the gaming market, scrapping most curbs on casino ownership and employee licensing and allowing five lottery organisers rather than the current two.

The changes abolish the requirement that companies wishing to obtain a concession for classic games of chance and special games of chance in casinos have to be organised as joint-stock companies. It will no longer be required that the applicant for a concession for special games of chance be based in Slovenia either. Land-based presence will still be required for classic games of chance.

If the bill passes, it will establish a legal framework that will enable concessions to be granted on the basis of a public tender. The proposed changes will potentially open the door to the Slovenian gambling market to international operators and will ensure compliance with EU legislation.

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Transparency International Slovenia has warned about what it perceives as doubtful transparency in the proposed changes, which are strongly opposed by stakeholders from the gaming sector and charities.