In Prague, the prohibition of slot machines has commenced.
Starting January 1, 2024, a prohibition on slot machines has been enforced in Prague, the Czech capital. All permits have lapsed, thus these gadgets can no longer be legitimately operated in any venues within the city. The Prague police force is diligently enforcing this ban and has already carried out numerous raids.
The ban encompasses mechanical, electromechanical, and digital gaming machines, as well as video lottery terminals. Nevertheless, casinos can still operate and offer table games such as roulette and blackjack.
The Czech Republic's Gaming Regulation Authority confirmed to iGaming Business that the prohibition on slot machines in Prague became effective on January 1, 2024 [English link provided]. This prohibits all types of electronic gambling, including slots.
Despite having valid licenses, operators were still operating gaming machines up until December. However, since the beginning of 2024, operators have begun eliminating the machines gradually.
Martin Šabo, the chief of the Czech Republic's Gaming Regulation Authority, has stated that the authorities initiated implementing this ban as early as 2021. Operators with longer-term licenses were granted leeway to continue operating the machines until the end of their term.
In regions outside of Prague, it is still legal to operate slot machines with the necessary license.
Online Slots Remain Legal
The ban only pertains to physical gaming machines. Online gaming remains legal in Prague. However, the decree for the ban on slot machines also includes new regulations for the online sector.
Previously, unlicensed gambling websites were only illegal if they targeted players from the Czech Republic. However, a new law came into effect on December 31, 2023, making any unlicensed online gambling accessible from the Czech Republic illegal.
According to Martin Šabo, additional regulations are being considered to regulate gambling in Prague. For instance, there have been discussions for several years about increasing gambling taxes in the Czech Republic.
Law Enacted in 2020
The Prague City Council approved the implementation of the ban on slot machines as early as 2020 [English link provided]. At that time, January 1, 2024, was set as the date for the ban to be enforced, as all valid licenses were due to expire by then.
The motivation for introducing the ban, according to Prague City Council representatives, is the substantial risk associated with gambling. Statistics have shown that limiting gambling options has a positive impact on problematic gamblers and their financial situation.
As early as 2007, designated times and locations were established for gambling in Prague. Only in 16 of the city's 57 districts is the operation of gambling establishments legal. Consequently, the number of licensed casinos has decreased from over 1,400 to roughly 100.
Prague Police Crack Down on Violations
Despite the ban on slot machines being enforced since January 1, 2024, some establishments appear to be defying it. There are still gambling devices present in certain Prague venues.
In January, the first raid took place, resulting in the discovery of an illegal gambling den. On the premises, police seized 16 unlawfully installed slot machines. The estimated worth of the seized items and cash totaled approximately 1.6 million CZK (approximately 62,000 EUR).
It remains to be seen how Prague residents will react to the new law or if they will opt to participate in slot machine games in other cities.
The Czech Republic's Gaming Regulation Authority implemented a prohibition on slot machines in Prague, effective from January 1, 2024, affecting both physical and electronic gaming machines. Despite the ban, discussions have arisen to regulate gambling in Prague and potentially increase gambling taxes.
Even after the enactment of the ban, some establishments in Prague continue to operate gambling devices illegally, as evidenced by a raid in January where 16 unlawfully installed slot machines were seized.
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