Croatia adopts universal self-exclusion register with new operational guidelines

The Croatian Ministry of Health has greenlit a set of administrative regulations that formalise the management of the country's self-exclusion registry. Since its launch roughly one year ago, more than 11,200 individuals have voluntarily entered themselves into the system.

The most significant departure from the previous arrangement is that gamblers no longer need to file separate exclusion requests with each licensed operator. A single entry onto the register now triggers automatic exclusion across all legal gambling venues and platforms in Croatia.

Effective 30 July, the newly approved rules specify how the register is to be maintained, what data it contains, the procedures for adding and removing names, as well as the responsibilities of all stakeholders involved. Citizens can apply for exclusion electronically via the e-Citizens portal, or in person through authorised intermediaries such as gambling operators, the Croatian Institute for Social Work, and clinics specialising in mental health or addiction treatment.

As a general requirement, the applicant must provide written consent, unless the exclusion is imposed as a court-ordered protective measure or a special obligation. Exclusion periods range from three months up to a permanent ban, with options of six months, one year, three years, or five years in between. A three-month ban cannot be rescinded, and requests for early revocation are only permissible after at least three months have elapsed from the original application.

According to data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health, the prevalence of gambling-related harm in the adult population stands at 1.7% experiencing severe problems, 3.1% with moderate difficulties, and a further 2.7% exhibiting low-level issues.