Restriction of Slot Machines in Prague City
In a bid to curb problematic gambling behaviour and protect vulnerable individuals, the Czech Republic has introduced a new nationwide self-exclusion register for all licensed gambling operators. The Register of Persons Excluded from Gambling, launched on September 15, 2020, is part of the government's integrated addiction policy [1].
The register includes individuals receiving social support, those in bankruptcy, those who have been banned from gambling, and those who have applied for registration themselves. Both land-based and online gambling operators in the Czech Republic are required to comply with this register, ensuring that listed individuals are not allowed to participate in gambling activities [2].
The Czech Ministry of Finance, which oversees gambling regulations, mandates that all legal sites in the Czech Republic must be available in the Czech language and adhere to strict rules regarding age restrictions and player protection [2]. The ban on gambling advertising, passed in 2016, is also part of this regulatory framework [3].
The self-exclusion system covers both the land-based sector and the online business. Third parties and companies themselves can also block players if problematic gambling patterns are detected. The aim of the system is to give players the opportunity to exclude themselves from gambling, thereby preventing potential financial damages [3].
However, challenges persist, particularly with offshore platforms that are more popular among Czech players due to local restrictions. The legal status of online gambling in the Czech Republic allows for both traditional and crypto-based gambling, but strict regulations, including the self-exclusion register, must be adhered to by all operators [4].
The new self-exclusion system is a vital step in the Czech Republic's efforts to combat gambling addiction. The positive effects of similar bans in cities like Brno, Ostrava, Breclav, Kyjov, Klatovy, and Ceske Budejovice have been observed, indicating that restricting the offer of gambling has a positive effect on problematic gambling behaviour [5].
In Prague, the ban on slot machines and a significant reduction in the number of licensed gaming venues since 2007 are part of a plan to significantly reduce gambling risks. Casino operators in Prague will only be allowed to offer live gambling from 2024 [6]. The Prague City Council has approved a decree banning all technical gambling, including slot machines, in Prague from 2024 [7].
The self-exclusion system is prioritized over industry profits, reflecting the government's commitment to player protection. The system's success will be closely monitored, and adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure its effectiveness in protecting vulnerable individuals.
[1] Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic. (2020). Register of Persons Excluded from Gambling. Retrieved from
Online casinos in Germany may consider adjusting their gambling services to fit the Czech Republic's strict regulations, such as the self-exclusion register, as their eligible players would need to comply with this system. continually monitoring the effectiveness of this register will be crucial to ensure that both casino-and-gambling and casino-games offered online are not available to those who have voluntarily excluded themselves or are deemed vulnerable.
