The Czech Republic's Gambling Regulation Department has confirmed that the ban on slot machines in Prague is now in force, almost four years after it was agreed by authorities in the country's capital
The Prague city council approved in September 2020 a ban on all technical gambling in the capital. The ban, which includes slot machines, applies to all premises, even if they have a licence. The citywide ban was due to come into force in 2024. This meant that venues could continue to offer technical games until their licenses expired, the longest of which was this year.
The slot machines were still present and operational in December. However, sources in Prague say that the removal of the machines from the premises has been underway since the beginning of the year. Some were still present until the end of January.
After being contacted by the media, the Department for Gambling Regulation confirmed that the ban came into full force on 1 January. This means venues can no longer legally offer slot machine play.
The director of the department, Martin Šabo, noted that the authorities began enforcing the ban as early as 2021. However, premises holding a longer license were able to continue using the machines during that period.
Slot machines are still legal and accessible in licensed premises outside Prague.
Online slot machines still accessible in Prague
The ban only applies to land-based slot machines, while online games are still available in Prague. However, the same decree that led to the ban on slot machines also updates the rules on online gambling.
Previously, unlicensed online gambling sites were only considered illegal if they specifically targeted Czech players. It has now been updated to any unlicensed website that is active and accessible in the country. This change went into effect on December 31, 2023.
However, in the statement given to iGB, Šabo said that this may not be the end of the changes in the Czech Republic. Referring to a review by the Office for the Protection of Economic Competition (ÚOHS), it found that the decree “does not is entirely in line with the legal rules relating to competition law".
“We cannot exclude the possibility that further changes in the management of gambling activities in Prague will occur in the future due to the fines imposed,” Šabo said.
Prague authorities continue to crack down on illegal operations
Despite the full implementation of the ban, some venues continued to operate the machines. This led customs officials in Prague to take action.
Last month, an investigation uncovered an illegally operated gaming hall in Střížkov, in the city's Prague 9 district. Officers found 16 technical gambling machines in operation.
Technical devices worth a total of 1,6 million crowns (53.659 pounds/62.867 euros/67.656 dollars) were seized, as well as machine reset keys and cash.
Last year, customs officials carried out a total of 76 checks, discovering 14 illegal premises. In total, 45 cars were seized.
