The Prague city council took a decisive step back in September 2020, decreeing an end to technical gambling games within the city limits. A bold move, this prohibition encompasses a variety of gambling devices, most notably slot machines, and affects all establishments, irrespective of their licensing status.
With the dawn of 2024 earmarked as the implementation horizon, businesses were initially granted a reprieve to phase out these technical games up until the expiry of their licenses — some of which were set to extend until the current year.
While slot machines were still operational as late as December, whispers from the heart of Prague suggested a gradual removal of these devices had begun as the new year rolled in. Indeed, a few tenacious machines lingered until the end of January.
In response to inquiries, the gambling regulation department confirmed that as of January 1st, the ban is now fully in force. This shift in policy renders any further offering of slot machine entertainment within Prague’s borders an illegal activity.
Martin Šabo, the head of the department, pointed out that the crackdown on slot machines commenced in earnest in 2021. Consequently, only venues with extended licenses could continue their operations until recently.
Yet, it’s worth noting that slot machine aficionados are not left completely in the lurch; these games remain permissible within the confines of licensed venues situated beyond the Prague boundary.
Digital Spins Within Reach: The State of Online Slots in Prague
The scope of the ban is confined to the realm of physical slot machines, leaving Prague’s residents free to engage with online slot games. Nonetheless, the same legislative stroke that extinguished land-based slots also put forth new criteria for online gambling.
In the past, unlicensed online gambling platforms were only deemed illicit if they directly targeted Czech players. The updated legislation broadens this definition, encompassing any unlicensed site that is active and accessible within the Czech Republic. This expanded regulation took effect as the curtain closed on 2023.
In a dialogue with iGB, Šabo hinted that the regulatory landscape might continue to evolve. A review conducted by the office for the protection of economic competition (ÚOHS) indicated that the existing decree might not fully conform to competition law. As Šabo indicated, “We cannot exclude the possibility that further changes in the operation of gambling activities in Prague may occur in the future due to imposed fines.”
Prague’s Vigilance Against Unlawful Gambling Intensifies
Despite the full enactment of the prohibition, reports of continued slot machine activity suggest that not all establishments have complied. In response, Prague’s customs officials have ramped up their enforcement efforts.
A recent probe led to the discovery of an underground gambling den nested within the Střížkov district, part of Prague 9. Here, officials stumbled upon 16 pieces of illicit technical gaming apparatus in full swing.
The raid resulted in the confiscation of equipment valued at around CK1.6m (£53,659/€62,867/$67,656), along with keys for resetting the machines and a sum of cash. Reflecting on the previous year’s enforcement statistics, customs officers conducted 76 inspections, unearthing 14 clandestine operations and seizing a total of 45 machines.
