Gambling Ban in Slovakia on April 26, 2025: What You Need to Know
⚡️🇸🇰 On April 26, 2025, Slovakia introduced a ban on gambling during the national day of mourning for Pope Francis, which will take place on April 26, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
When the Ban Is in Effect
According to the Slovak government’s decision of April 23, 2025, a national day of mourning is declared for Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 08:00 to 18:00. This coincides with the funeral of Pope Francis. During this period, most forms of gambling are prohibited.
Which Games Are Banned
During the period of national mourning, the operation of all forms of gambling is suspended, except for certain exceptions. The ban applies to:
- Casinos
- Slot machines
- Betting shops
- Sports betting (at physical locations)
What Is Allowed
The law provides a few exceptions:
| Type of Game | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Online games | ✅ Yes |
| Numerical lottery by Tipos | ✅ Yes |
| Publication of game results | ✅ Yes |
| Physical venues (casinos, slot machines, etc.) | ❌ No |
Legal Basis
The restrictions are based on Act No. 30/2019 Z.z. on Gambling. Specifically, §14, section 10, point b) prohibits the operation of gambling during a period of national mourning, except for the exceptions mentioned above.
What Operators Should Do
The Gambling Regulatory Authority calls on all operators to comply with the restrictions in place on the day of mourning:
- Suspend the operation of physical venues and slot machines
- Do not conduct lotteries or betting in halls
- Continue operations only in an online format, if not in violation of the law
Conclusion
From 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on April 26, 2025, most forms of gambling in Slovakia will be prohibited—with the exception of certain online services and the national lottery. This measure is part of honoring the memory of Pope Francis on the day of his funeral.