Slovakia Tightens Watch on World Cup Gambling Advertising

Regulator Warns Betting Operators

The warning was issued by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Slovakia (URHH) prior to the tournament. The regulator urged licensed operators to uphold all gambling and consumer protection regulations.

Businesses should not be too aggressive in trying to get more customers for the World Cup, officials said. Rather, they need to focus more on responsible gambling messaging. The regulator will be monitoring ads during the tournament. Authorities say they will take action swiftly if companies break the rules. URHH said it will monitor advertising across:

• Television

• Online channels

• Social media

• Outdoor advertising

More Focus on Responsible Gambling

The regulator is seeking operators to give player safety their top priority. Authorities referred to the tools that assist users to control their gambling. Self-exclusion programs and deposit limits are among these tools. They assist the users to manage their spending and frequency of gaming.

The authority will monitor the advertising throughout the competition, Libuša Baranová, Director General of Gambling Policy at URHH, said. The World Cup is a very popular event globally. That's why, the betting companies tend to ramp up their advertising during the event.

Gambling Rules Still Being Discussed

The latest warning comes as Slovakia continues to discuss gambling laws. Some officials believe current rules need changes. Earlier in 2025, Agriculture Minister Rudolf Huliak called for stricter gambling regulations. He said existing laws were not keeping up with online betting growth.

His proposals included tougher licensing rules and more limits on some gambling products. The ideas sparked debate — but they did not move forward. President Peter Pellegrini said some restrictions could conflict with European Union rules. At the same time, he supported stronger protections for consumers.

Research Project May Help Future Policies

Regulators have also taken other steps in recent months. In May, the URHH announced a partnership with the University of Trnava.

The project gives researchers access to market data. They will study gambling harm, digital addiction, and online safety issues. Subsequently, the findings may help shape future gambling policies.

World Cup Creates a Major Test

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring a large amount of betting advertising. Millions of football fans will watch matches across many media channels. Hence, regulators plan to pay close attention to every major campaign.

The move reflects a wider trend across Europe — authorities are increasing oversight as online betting grows. For Slovakia, the tournament may become an important test. Officials want to support a legal gambling market — while making sure consumer protection remains strong.