Slovakia names new gambling authority chief as market sees online surge

Slovakia’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (URHH) has appointed Jana Mravíková as its new Director General, replacing Martin Bohoš amid growing digital market dominance and persistent challenges from unlicensed operators.

Mravíková, formerly the Director of the Economics and Operations Department within the Slovak government, assumed the post on April 1, 2025. Bohoš stepped down voluntarily but will remain with the agency to focus on regulatory affairs.

The leadership change comes as Slovakia’s gambling industry reports record growth. Total gambling turnover in 2024 reached €24.2 billion ($27.5 billion), marking a 14% increase from the previous year. Tax revenues from the sector grew by €45.8 million ($52.08 million) to €347.3 million.

Online gambling continues to outpace traditional formats. Internet casinos registered €12.8 billion in wagers and nearly €476 million in revenue, a 29.9% increase year-on-year. They also contributed €126 million to the state budget—up 35.1% from 2023.

In contrast, land-based gambling venues showed mixed performance. Casinos generated €8.92 billion in wagers, with tax contributions rising 26% to €16.4 million. However, gaming halls saw their tax revenues decline by 5% to €58 million. Sports betting also contributed significantly, with €2.73 billion in wagers yielding €86.91 million in tax income.

The regulator continues to face mounting pressure from unlicensed online operators. In 2024 alone, ÚRHH blacklisted 89 unauthorized sites, bringing the total to over 820. The authority is seeking expanded enforcement powers, including the ability to block IP addresses directly, and has proposed legislative changes to tighten advertising regulations. These measures remain pending in Slovakia’s National Council.

No new gambling laws have been enacted since the Gambling Act of 2019, though calls for enhanced consumer protections and advertising oversight are growing louder.

The ÚRHH maintains that its priorities are to protect players, curb illegal operations, and ensure the orderly development of Slovakia’s regulated gambling market.