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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.
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The future of safer gambling: The power of advanced monitoring systems and data-driven strategies to monitor player safety
Reading Time: 3 minutes
SkillOnNet Safer Gambling and AML Risk team manager Loizos Theodosiadis on using behavioural tracking systems and analytics to enable proactive risk management.
The future of safer gambling is rooted in predictive analytics and personalised protection. At SkillOnNet, we identify risks of gambling-related harm through both proprietary and third-party software. The third-party system, developed by Neccton and called the MENTOR player-tracking system, enables early detection of behavioural risk long before issues manifest.
These systems analyse vast amounts of data to identify subtle behavioural changes, enabling us to intervene proactively. As I often say, the most exciting developments are around predictive analytics and personalised protection. We’re working on better behavioural modelling to spot risks even earlier and guide players towards sustainable behaviour based on actual patterns, not fixed limits.
Our platform, incorporating Neccton’s system, exemplifies this approach. It continuously monitors player behaviour, flags higher-risk activities, and provides real-time alerts through popups, messages, and dashboards. This allows our teams to act swiftly, offering support or guidance precisely when it’s needed most. Automation supports us by supporting the players, delivering tailored messages about long sessions or risky spending habits.
This move towards personalised, behaviour-based interventions marks a significant shift from traditional, one-size-fits-all thresholds. The future of safer gambling tools lies in advanced monitoring systems and data-driven behavioural analysis profiling players.
Safer Gambling Week and the Role of Industry Collaboration
I believe that Safer Gambling Week is really important. It gives everyone in the industry a chance to pause and focus on the same priority, keeping players safe. We talk about safer gambling all year, but the week helps us amplify everything.
As well as just bringing together our own brands such as Slingo, the official site for Slingo games, and Spin Genie, a leading slots casino in the UK.
Throughout the year, our commitment doesn’t waver, but the week serves as a catalyst for greater awareness and collaboration. It’s an opportunity to reinforce that safer gambling should be a normal, embedded part of our operations and not just a regulatory checkbox. Creating an environment where players feel supported, informed, and empowered is fundamental.
Responsibility is at the core of everything we do. We believe that what sets us apart is how proactive we try to be. We don’t rely on generic thresholds; we focus on behaviour, spotting subtle changes, and acting early even before anything becomes obvious. This proactive stance involves significant investment in staff training, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of empathy and care.
Our teams are trained to recognise behavioral cues whether in retail or digital environments – such as agitation, long play sessions, or mood swings. With Genting Casino for example, we use algorithms to identify risky behaviours early. Both environments present risks; the key is awareness, communication, and a duty of care. GentingCasino.com offers a premier gaming experience with top-tier slots and we want to offer top-tier player safety.
This proactive approach ensures that support is delivered before problems escalate, emphasising early detection and compassionate intervention. Our strategy is built on the understanding that safer gambling is discussed at senior levels and built into our strategy, not just treated as an add-on, reinforcing a genuine cultural shift within our organisation.
Strengthening Governance and Industry Standards
As online gambling becomes more accessible, I advocate for stronger governance frameworks to protect players effectively. Online environments have more accessibility, so we need a stronger governance framework. Retail needs trained professionals who understand behavioural cues.
I support the implementation of industry-wide standards for affordability and financial risk checks. I support an industry-wide standard for affordability and financial risk checks – applied consistently across all operators. It requires government clarity, data sharing standards, and a balance between consumer rights and harm prevention. Consistent application of these standards, combined with data sharing and regulatory clarity, will ensure that safer gambling practices are effective, fair, and respectful of players’ privacy.
The Ongoing Journey for Operators
While our industry has made significant progress, I believe the journey is ongoing. The industry is on a journey. Many operators, including us, are genuinely committed to embedding safer gambling into their culture. While responses have been reactive in the past, that’s changing.
Today, safer gambling is recognised as a core business priority – about sustainable play, long-term loyalty, and safeguarding reputation. Safer gambling is now a core business priority – about sustainable play, long-term loyalty, and reputation. As we look to the future, I am confident that companies investing early and embracing transparency will set the standard, shaping a healthier and more responsible industry.
SkillOnNet is a leading casino operator that offers a diverse range of online gaming brands. They offer cutting-edge technology, premium content and solutions for some of the industry’s most recognisable names.
They operate a wide range of successful brands including premium online GentingCasino.com, Prime Casino who offer a diverse selection of games as well as Slingo who offer a premium Bingo experience.
Throughout its extensive game catalogue from top-tier developers, SkillOnNet ensures players enjoy a safe, engaging and entertaining environment. They continue to lead the market with its flexible platform, localise expertise and strategic partnerships to offer best-in-class casino entertainment.
The post The future of safer gambling: The power of advanced monitoring systems and data-driven strategies to monitor player safety appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Room 8 Group partners with Pragma to strengthen online game development capabilities
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Room 8 Group, an end-to-end strategic partner in external game development, has announced a partnership with Pragma, a company providing tools that help studios build online games faster, connect with players, and grow their communities.
This partnership enables Room 8 Group to integrate Pragma Platform, the game industry’s leading backend solution for connected games. Pragma delivers a comprehensive suite of cross-platform services, including authentication, social, commerce, player data, matchmaking, and telemetry, empowering developers to manage every stage of a game’s lifecycle, from launch to live ops and growth.
Room 8 Group always takes a consultative approach to co-development – making every technical decision based on what brings the greatest value and efficiency to the client, rather than relying on predefined service offerings.
 “We partner with leading technology providers to ensure our clients have access to the most effective solutions. Pragma’s platform brings clear benefits in scalability and player engagement, and we see real potential in implementing it within future projects.” Â
Anna Kozlova, CEO at Room 8 Group.
As online functionality and live services have become a part of many modern games, Room 8 Group continuously explores new tools that reduce time-consuming and costly custom development while preserving each game’s unique character.
“Room 8 Group’s deep technical expertise and proven ability to integrate our solutions across different client needs and technology stacks makes them an ideal partner for Pragma. Together, we’re enabling studios to deliver connected, high-quality gaming experiences faster, more efficiently, and at greater scale.”Â
Eden Chen, CEO at PragmaÂ
Together, Pragma and Room 8 Group are building the infrastructure that helps studios ship faster, operate smarter, and deliver better player experiences.
The post Room 8 Group partners with Pragma to strengthen online game development capabilities appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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BETBY EXPANDS E-SIM PORTFOLIO WITH TWO INDUSTRY-FIRST TITLES: eTABLE TENNIS and eFOOTVOLLEY
Reading Time: 2 minutes
BETBY, the leading sportsbook supplier, has expanded its proprietary esports feed, Betby.Games, with the launch of two brand-new e-sim titles: eTable Tennis and eFootVolley. Both releases mark a major milestone in BETBY’s commitment to delivering fair, authentic, and localised esports content that enhances 24/7 engagement for operators and players worldwide.
Representing a world-first for the industry, the eTableTennis title, entitled TTX CUP, introduces a completely new vertical to esports betting, with an authentic, fully fair, and transparent experience. The game features realistic physics, true-to-life gameplay, and zero-second betting delay, offering instant bet placement for one of the fastest-paced sports.
Each match follows the classic table tennis format of five sets to 11 points, with over 20 betting markets and high betting limits comparable to elite-level competitions such as the Champions League. Launched initially with two tournaments, TTX CUP delivers more than 1,500 matches per month, running 24/7 with no streaming delay, ensuring full transparency and player trust.
Aligned with the WTT Finals Hong Kong, one of the sport’s premier real-world events, the release allows operators to engage users during off-hours through a seamless, always-on e-sim.
BETBY’s second new title, eFootVolley, further strengthens its “go-local” approach by focusing on Brazil’s fast-growing futevôlei scene, one of the country’s most culturally resonant sports. The game replicates the official Liga Nacional de Futevôlei, following a five-set format (up to 11 points) and an average match duration of around 20 minutes, with 20+ available betting markets.
Launching in sync with the final stage of the real-world Liga Nacional de Futevôlei, eFootVolley provides an ultra-localised, 24/7 betting experience, reflecting BETBY’s strategy of blending authenticity with constant engagement. Following the success of eVaquejada, this release reinforces the company’s dedication to creating content that speaks directly to local audiences and their sporting passions.
Kirill Nekrasov, Head of Sportsbook Product at BETBY, commented: “With TTX CUP and eFootVolley, we’re breaking new ground in esports simulations. TTX CUP sets a new benchmark for integrity and realism in table tennis betting, while eFootVolley demonstrates our ongoing commitment to localised, culturally relevant content. Both titles reflect the Betby.Games vision to provide operators with high-frequency, fair, and engaging titles.”
The Betby.Games portfolio now features 25 proprietary titles, covering 80+ tournaments and over 400,000 monthly matches across multiple sports.
The post BETBY EXPANDS E-SIM PORTFOLIO WITH TWO INDUSTRY-FIRST TITLES: eTABLE TENNIS and eFOOTVOLLEY appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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