On 12 June 2025, the “Black Book of Illegal Gambling” was officially launched at a ceremonial event in Bratislava. The publication, prepared by the Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRHH) in cooperation with the Slovak Academy of Sciences, represents the first comprehensive analysis of the illegal gambling market in Slovakia.
The Slovak Black Book was inspired by the Czech Black Book of Illegal Gambling, published by our Institute in 2022. That Czech publication marked a breakthrough in understanding the scale and mechanisms of the illegal market, providing detailed data for the first time on the operations, reach, and fiscal impact of illegal gambling. We are pleased that a similarly structured and data-driven study has now been released in Slovakia, helping to inform both policy discussions and enforcement strategies.
The ceremonial launch included a symbolic “release” of the book, and the publication was officially christened by Jan Řehola, Director of the Czech Institute for Gambling Regulation, who also participated in an expert panel discussion during the event. In an interview with Slovak broadcaster STVR, Jan Řehola commented on recent measures adopted in the Czech Republic:
“One of the most important steps is that not only illegal gambling websites are blocked, but also advertising pages and link directories that promote them.”
Key findings from the Slovak Black Book reveal an alarming situation:
-
More than half of online gambling in Slovakia takes place outside the legal framework.
-
One in four players is unaware they are gambling with illegal operators.
-
Slovakia loses an estimated CZK 4 billion (approx. €160 million) annually in tax revenue.
We believe that the Slovak Black Book – just like the Czech version – will serve as a crucial foundation for future legislative and regulatory action aimed at curbing the black market.
👉 For more information and to download the full publication, visit the IPRHH website: www.iprhh.sk/cierna-kniha-nelegalneho-hazardu
