Latest News
Slovakia: How iGaming sites can build traffic
Are the Slovaks about to liberalize their iGaming market? Is it worth it to wait for any new laws? This deep-dive into the Slovak market takes a closer look at the reality on the ground and how you can profit from it.
This year in May, the Slovak government announced a planned liberalization of its restrictive iGaming laws.
This change would abolish the current state-owned monopoly on online casinos and it is hoped it will attract foreign operators. The plan is still in its early stages, but the detail released so far suggests the change will come into force in 2019, with a planned 23% tax on revenue.
What this deep dive will cover
We will go behind the headlines and cover the current market situation in Slovakia as it really is.
From the domestic players, to international operators, to the best-performing affiliates, you will see who is making money in the Slovak market right now.
We are also going to look at potential marketing strategies for those who want to build traffic from Slovakia.
Who this deep dive is for
If you are an operator who is considering applying for a licence, then you should read this.
If you are an operator or affiliate who has been scared away from the Slovak market by news reports of IP-blocks, payment processor bans, and €500,000 fines, then you should definitely read this.
But first a legal disclaimer
I am just a Slovak-speaking iGaming/marketing geek and not a lawyer, so none of the information below should be seen as legal advice—it isn’t. These are just my observations on Slovakia and iGaming.
Make sure to get proper legal advice before entering any grey market like Slovakia, Czech Republic or Hungary.
The legal situation today (June 2018)
Only the state-owned monopoly Tipos is permitted to run an online casino, which it does alongside a sportsbook and a lottery product.
Operators with a land-based betting business may also run online sportsbooks, and there are a number of Slovak and Czech betting firms which offer this. These firms currently pay a 27% tax on revenue.
Foreign firms who market to Slovak residents without a licence are named on a blacklist published by the Slovak Ministry of Finance. The list is updated every Monday and can be found here.
The current blacklist is a mixed bag of household names (William Hill, Bet365, Bwin), smaller operators based in the likes of Curacao, and a few affiliates.
As of June 2018, some of the names still on the list have removed any Slovak language options on their site, and yet they still appear there. The blacklist seems to be like the Hotel California—you may check in, but you may never leave.
If the firms do not shut down their websites to Slovak visitors within 10 days of going on the blacklist, Slovak Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must IP-block the website from Slovakia. However, all my technical tests show it is possible to access all the sites on the list while based in Slovakia.
The blacklist also contains IBAN details for each operator. Although there have been some public threats to stop Slovak payment processors from sending payments to these companies, I haven’t heard of this ever happening.
Indeed, there is no mention of any payments ban on the current version of the list.
The Slovak Ministry of Finance also threatens to issue fines to persistent offenders. There is a potential fine of €500,000 for operators and €250,000 for advertisers/affiliates.
Again, we haven’t heard of such fines being either issued or paid. Considering that the Dutch have failed to collect any fines since 2015, it’s probably safe to assume that no international operators have ever paid any Slovak fines.
Proposed changes to the law (by 2019)
The Ministry of Finance has recently proposed ending the state monopoly on online casinos, allowing domestic and foreign firms to seek a licence in the country.
The new proposed tax rate is 23% on revenue. This tax rate might tempt more applications for a licence than the Czech Republic did in 2017 with a 35% tax rate on revenue.
An important note on political risks to new gambling legislation
In general, Slovak political parties see anti-gambling laws as a big vote-winner.
In a further complication, Slovakia has a slightly unstable political climate, with coalition governments ruling almost exclusively since independence. These coalitions of two, three, four or more parties, all with different outlooks on gambling, mean that it’s very difficult to predict what the next government will actually do.
A perfect example of this instability is the recent disagreement between the Bratislava city council and the Bratislava regional government on the subject of banning land-based gambling in the Slovak capital. The next Slovak parliamentary election is due in 2020.
Frankly, basing an iGaming strategy on this proposed law being passed and then staying in place for more than a few months, is highly risky.
The iGaming market in Slovakia today
If you choose to enter this market, you should know what the current landscape looks like, particularly with regards to who the established competition is.
Apart from the state monopoly (Tipos), there are several betting operators with a physical presence in the country, who have a licence to also market a website to Slovak customers.
On top of this, there are plenty of international operators who continue to offer their sites in the Slovak language, including some big names.
Below are the main domestic, government-approved players with sites in the Slovak language.
– Tipos.sk – this is the state-owned monopoly, offering sportsbook, casino and lottery games. The betting odds are reasonably in line with the international market, but as the only licenced company offering online casino in the country, the selection of slot games looks dated and limited.
– iFortuna.sk – offering sportsbook only, this is the online version of a Czech gaming group which has land-based betting shops in Slovakia.
– Nike.sk – offering sportsbook only, the online version of a Slovak gaming group which has land-based betting shops in Slovakia.
– Tipsport.sk – Slovak sportsbook
– Doxxbet.sk – Slovak sportsbook, who also have sites in other countries e.g. Nigeria
On top of these domestic players, there are plenty of international operators which currently offer services in the Slovak language:
– bet365.com (licensed in Gibraltar and soon Malta, offering sportsbook & casino – they are currently on the blacklist)
– kajot-casino.com (licensed in Malta, casino only, currently on the blacklist)
– vulkanbet.com (licensed in Malta, sportsbook & casino, NOT mentioned on the blacklist)
– 1xslot.com (licensed in Cyprus, casino only)
– bohemiacasino.com (licensed in Malta, casino only, NOT mentioned on the blacklist)
– slotv.com (licensed in Cyprus, casino only)
Due to the similarities between Czech and Slovak, it’s easy for Slovak customers to read and speak the Czech language, making websites offering support in Czech a possible option for these customers.
Lots of international sites were scared off the Czech market, but a few still offer this language option, and presumably are of interest to Slovak customers.
Here are a couple you should be aware of: williamhill.com (licensed in Gibraltar, sportsbook & casino); ceskecasino.com (licensed in Curacao, casino only)
Affiliates offering content in the Slovak language
Of course, affiliates also play a key role in Slovakia. Here are the top 5 performing affiliate sites for the Slovak market: mistrcasino.cz; casino-online-sk.com (included on the blacklist); kasino-online-sk.com (included on the blacklist); najlepsiecasino.com; casino-hry.sk.
It’s interesting to note that none of these top-performing affiliates are working with any of the government-approved Slovak-based operators.
Written by: Ivana Flynn for Calvinayre.com. Ivana is a Malta-based SEO Consultant dedicated to helping iGaming operators and affiliates improve their organic search rankings. Her biggest professional passion is using SEO to break into new and tricky markets. In her spare time, she bakes, works out and plays with her cats.

Latest News
Gaming in Holland Conference announces new speakers, pre-conference program
The Gaming in Holland Conference, which will take place June 5 in Amsterdam, has added several new speakers to its agenda.
Björn Fuchs, newly appointed Chair of VNLOK, and Henry Meijdam, who heads the VAN Kansspelen trade association, will both make an appearance at the event.
Fuchs and Meijdam join an impressive speaker lineup that includes Arjan Blok, CEO of Nederlandse Loterij; Renske Fikkers, Head of Market Supervision at the Netherlands Gambling Authority; and Henk Willem Smits, investigative reporter at Follow the Money.
Additionally, we are happy to welcome as our special guest former NOGA Chair, Peter-Paul de Goeij, who has promised to offer a no-holds-barred reflection on the (in)efficacy of Dutch gambling regulation.
Finally, we are extremely pleased to announce that Rohan Tare, Head of IT Customer Interaction at ABN AMRO, will discuss the growing threat of AI-supported identity fraud – a topic that is highly relevant for any business dependent on remote customer interaction.
The full agenda is available here.
Willem van Oort, Founder of Gaming in Holland, commented: “We are extremely pleased with our current speaker lineup. All key stakeholders and decision makers in the Dutch gambling industry will be represented at our event. As always, the Gaming in Holland Conference will is the best place to meet the people who matter in the Dutch regulated market. Moreover, we have taken the utmost care to ensure that all relevant developments and topics will be addressed at our conference. We almost can’t wait for our event to kick off!”
Breakout sessions and networking opportunities
In addition to our main program, the Gaming in Holland Conference also features several highly practical breakout sessions. Check out the full agenda for more information.
Furthermore, the Gaming in Holland Conference also offers plenty of networking opportunities during coffee breaks, lunch, and our traditional boat tour through Amsterdam’s picturesque canals.
Last but not least, the award ceremony of the Dutch Online Casino of the Year Awards will take place during the Gaming in Holland networking drinks at Holland Casino Amsterdam. All GiH Conference attendees are cordially invited to attend the festivities!
Pre-conference workshops & drinks
The GiH Conference includes free admittance to two certificate-granting workshops, which are generously provided by Chevron Consultants.
Workshop #1 is titled “Establishing a learning and training culture in your company with an LMS” and discusses the proper implementation and benefits of a Learning Management System.
Workshop #2 is titled “Compliance performance audits” and will teach participants how to structure audits in line with ISO 19011 and how to evaluate the performance of compliance procedures.
Both workshops will take place on June 4 – the day prior to the main event – and are free to attend for paying GiH Conference attendees.
Finally, all conference attendees are invited to join us for informal drinks and traditional Dutch “bitterballen” at Café Bistro Rijnbar in Amsterdam on June 4, from 19:00 until late. The first round is on us!
Registration now open
Registration for the Gaming in Holland Conference is now open. Don’t miss it! Register today: https://bit.ly/GiHC2025.
The post Gaming in Holland Conference announces new speakers, pre-conference program appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Ines Ledo, BetBrothers: “Our Content Philosophy Is Built on Quality, Value, and Responsibility”
We sat down with Ines Ledo, Content Lead at BetBrothers.es, to discuss the core principles behind BetBrothers’ content strategy, and what it takes to create a trusted resource for the Spanish betting community.
Ines, please share with us how you first became involved in the sports betting industry, and what led you to your current role as Content Lead at BetBrothers.es?
I started more than five years ago as a content writer, focusing on online casinos and sports betting. From the beginning, I really enjoyed the industry, and over time, I started managing content and leading a team of writers in another top affiliate project in Spain. That experience gave me a wider understanding of how the industry works, and especially, how important content is in the iGaming world. Exceptional content is a force driving engagement and market differentiation.
Now, as a Content Lead at BetBrothers, my mission is to channel all that experience into an ambitious vision. Here, we are aiming to create the most trusted resource for the Spanish betting community. This means going beyond surface-level information and entertainment. Our content is built around three key pillars — quality, value, and responsibility. It is created to help our users enjoy sports betting as a safe and fun form of entertainment.
Can you tell us about your core content philosophy and how it differentiates BetBrothers.es from other affiliates in Spain?
Over the years, I’ve seen how content has become less personal. Today, many articles sound the same, like they’re made in a factory, without real experiences or useful information for the user.
At BetBrothers, we want to do the opposite. We believe in authentic content, written by real people who test betting sites and online casinos. They don’t just look around. They deposit, they play, they interact with customer support, they research the terms and conditions, and then they compare these experiences, sharing their personal perspectives.
We’re user-first, always. Our philosophy is to provide real value to the user with our content, with responsibility as a basis, as we aim to contribute to creating a safer and more enjoyable betting environment for our readers. That commitment to honesty, authenticity and responsible betting is what makes us different.
How do you balance creating evergreen content (like guides) with timely, event-driven betting tips, especially considering the dynamic Spanish sports calendar?
Balancing evergreen and timely content is indeed a basis of our strategy. We do it through good planning and efficient team management.
On one hand, we have stable content like operator reviews and how-to guides on betting strategies — this is the foundation of the project. Such content educates users, provides lasting value, and forms the backbone of our search engine presence.
On the other hand, we produce daily betting tips from our sports experts. These bring dynamic elements to our content and keep users engaged on a daily basis. Our experts have truckloads of experience, some of them are sports analysts with deep statistical knowledge of specific leagues. So for us it’s also an opportunity to showcase our analytical capabilities.
Both types of content are equally important: one provides lasting value, the other keeps the user connected and engaged day by day.
Many affiliates diversify traffic sources. Beyond organic search, what other marketing channels are you exploring for BetBrothers.es?
Organic traffic, born from deep and useful content we provide, is definitely very valuable both for us and our partners. It’s the validation of value we deliver to users searching for information. However, we are actively expanding our reach.
Social media is already a key element of our multi-channel strategy. It’s a great way to build presence, engage in meaningful conversations with the users, and develop a community around our products.
We believe video content will become more and more important in the future too. It allows for richer, more engaging storytelling, and helps us build deeper connections with our audience. Our philosophy is simple: meet users where they are, and connect with them beyond Google.
From your perspective, how has player behavior in the Spanish sports betting market evolved over the past few years, and how is BetBrothers.es adapting its content to meet these changing needs?
Today’s users are much more demanding, that’s for sure. They have more information, they compare everything available to them, and they look for real product value — both in the bookmakers and in the websites they visit. At BetBrothers.es, we thrive in this environment.
We don’t just repeat what everyone else says or does. Instead, we focus on creating useful content, replying to the questions readers may have, explaining complex features in a clear and easy way, test the products and give an opinion based on real experience.
Also, we put a big emphasis on responsible gambling by offering practical advice. We do that, as we believe this is an essential part of the value we should provide to the betting community.
Looking ahead, what are the key strategic priorities for BetBrothers.es in the next 12-18 months to continue its growth and strengthen its position in the Spanish market?
For the next 12-18 months, our goal is to find the perfect balance between three non-negotiable pillars: useful and high-quality content, a user experience adapted to today’s standards — especially on mobile — and a strong focus on safe and responsible gambling.
Our ultimate aim is for every BetBrothers visitor to instantly feel that they are at the most trusted sports betting hub in Spain. A place where they’ll find clear, honest and helpful information to make informed and enjoyable betting decisions.
The post Ines Ledo, BetBrothers: “Our Content Philosophy Is Built on Quality, Value, and Responsibility” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Soft2Bet, Betinia & Campobet Shortlisted for 12 EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards 2025
Soft2Bet and Its Brands, Betinia and Campobet, honoured by 12 Shortlist Nominations at the EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards 2025
Soft2Bet, a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider, is delighted to announce that it has secured 12 nominations at the prestigious EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards 2025. Showcasing both B2B and B2C excellence, the shortlists highlight the company’s brands, Betinia and Campobet, alongside Soft2Bet itself and its proprietary Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA).
Betinia is nominated for Best Native App, Best CRM Campaign, Innovation in Casino, Innovation in Sports Betting, and Innovation of the Year (B2C). Campobet has been recognised for Brand of the Year (B2C), Best CRM Campaign, Innovation in Casino, Innovation in Sports Betting, and Innovation of the Year (B2C). In addition, Soft2Bet is shortlisted for Brand of the Year (B2B), with MEGA receiving a nod in the Innovation of the Year (B2B) category.
Over the past 12 months, main brands such as Campobet, Betinia, Don.ro, Tooniebet and others have excelled in fiercely competitive, saturated markets and tightly regulated territories, where only the most agile, innovation-focused operators can stand out. Soft2Bet’s approach merges cutting-edge technology with data-driven personalisation, ensuring that player experience is always paramount. Betinia and Campobet’s high-performance results with retention and acquisition tactics reflect a strategy that recognises different user motivations and local market preferences while still adhering to complex regulatory standards.
Oksana Tsyhankova, Soft2Bet’s CMO, commented: “By prioritising sustainable, data-driven engagement, customer experience, Soft2Bet and its brands continue to set a high standard for growth in high competitive markets and 12 nominations are a strong proof of our B2B and B2C excellence. Each shortlisted category, from CRM and brand strategy to platform innovation, demonstrates our ability to adapt to industry demands while placing player protection and satisfaction front and centre.”
These achievements reflect Soft2Bet’s broader vision to build and scale performance-driven brands that thrive even in jurisdictions with strict advertising and bonus limitations. In 2024, Betinia recorded a 148% increase in GGR, while Campobet achieved a 54% increase. Retention also soared, with a 128% uplift for Campobet and 106% for Betinia, highlighting the effectiveness of MEGA-powered engagement. Operating a total of 13 brands, all highly adapted to local market strategies, Soft2Bet ensures that each brand reflects regional preferences and player behaviours. For example, Campobet recently sponsored the popular tennis event “Nordic Battle,” aligning the brand closely with local sports passions. With a flexible platform that can be tailored for various jurisdictions, Soft2Bet consistently delivers strong outcomes for both operators and players, proving that authenticity, creativity, and compliance can successfully coexist.
The post Soft2Bet, Betinia & Campobet Shortlisted for 12 EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News1 month ago
Exclusive Q&A With Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame
-
Latest News1 month ago
SARA TENDULKAR JOINS JETSYNTHESYS’ GLOBAL E-CRICKET PREMIER LEAGUE AS MUMBAI FRANCHISE OWNER FOR SEASON 2
-
Latest News3 weeks ago
Week 17/2025 slot games releases
-
Latest News3 weeks ago
Fortuna Partners with 2025 UEFA Under-21 EURO
-
Latest News4 weeks ago
Esports World Cup Foundation Confirms Full Game Lineup, Schedule, and Club Championship Rules for EWC 2025
-
Latest News6 days ago
ELA Games Receives Key Nomination at EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards
-
Latest News1 month ago
DreamPlay consolidates its status as a global player in the iGaming industry and opens an office and campus in Cyprus
-
Latest News4 weeks ago
ACR POKER’S NEXT HIGH STAKES ADVENTURE TAKES PLAYERS TO MONTENEGRO FOR PRESTIGIOUS SUPER HIGH ROLLER SERIES
You must be logged in to post a comment Login