EUROMAT Urges Croatia to Halt Gambling Law Over EU Rule Breach

The European Gambling and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT) has formally challenged Croatia’s imminent gambling reforms. The authority submitted a complaint to the European Commission on April 1^st, citing procedural breaches of EU Directive 2015/1535.

With eight days remaining before the implementation, the federation asserts Croatia failed to notify it of these changes as stipulated in the TRIS framework—a mandatory regulation disclosure mechanism. The changes include venue ID checks, advertising restrictions, establishment limitations, and 23% tax hikes. The intervention highlights tensions between national gaming sovereignty and Single Market compliance, particularly over advertising limits and responsible gambling requirements.

EU Compliance Crisis

EUROMAT warns that the Croatian Government’s failure to disclose its gambling regulatory changes exposes it to suspension mechanisms under EU laws. The regulations state that member states must notify the Commission of alterations that limit market access or service provision. With just a few days before the law’s enforcement, it could trigger infringement proceedings, potentially voiding the law’s enactment and imposing fines under compliance protocols.

Single Market Breach

EUROMAT President Jason Frost has demanded immediate suspension of Croatia’s gambling reforms, referencing the April 3^rd Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) annulment of Lithuania’s similar legislation.

“Europe’s Single Market is undermined by member states if they cherry-pick legal compliance,” Frost stated, noting the European Commission’s active engagement with Croatia over TRIS protocol violations. His remarks highlight growing industry frustration after the country advanced its law without the federation’s consultation.

Croatian Gaming Association Secretary-General Filip Jelavic underscored these policy risks. “Legal certainty and predictability are essential for market stability, and any potential financial consequences arising from procedural shortcomings are ultimately borne by businesses and citizens,” Jelavic stated, referencing the European Commission’s formal reminder to Croatia of its legal obligations.

Warnings of Local Economic Fallout

Croatia’s gambling reforms also face domestic opposition. The Croatian Association of Game Operators (HUPIS) cautioned that the law could shutter 70% of licensed venues, risking over 12,000 jobs and €140 million in tax revenue. While endorsing responsible gambling principles, HUPIS criticized the amendments for imposing disproportionate operational limits that could drive players to unregulated markets.

The group urges policymakers to revise economically viable measures that “will truly have the desired effect—protecting citizens, combating the shadow economy, and preserving jobs.”