Slovakia Appoints Libuša Baranová as Head of Gambling Regulation Authority
New Leadership for Slovakia’s Gambling Authority
Libuša Baranová has been appointed as the new director general of Slovakia’s Office for the Regulation of Gambling (ÚRHH), taking over from Jana Mravíková. This change marks the second leadership shift within the regulatory body this year.
Leadership Changes Amid Calls for Regulatory Reform
Earlier in the year, Jana Mravíková replaced Martin Bohoš, who had served as director general since 2019. Bohoš left with a recommendation to thoroughly revise Slovakia’s Gambling Act, highlighting concerns that existing laws were outdated and ill-equipped to deal with the rapid growth of online casinos and lacked sufficient consumer protections.
This second change in leadership reflects growing political pressure on gambling regulations in Slovakia. Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický, who authorized Baranová’s appointment, is under increasing demand to modernize the country’s gambling laws to better address current market realities.
The appointment comes after extensive parliamentary discussions about whether the current Gambling Act effectively manages the challenges posed by digital betting and international gambling trends. Recent reports have shown that illegal gambling has become a significant problem in Slovakia, with one survey revealing that approximately one in four Slovaks have engaged with unlicensed gambling platforms, raising alarms about the scale of unauthorized gambling activity in the country.
Baranová Faces Challenges Amid a Shifting Gambling Environment
Baranová assumes leadership at a critical time for the ÚRHH, a period characterized by calls for increased transparency and innovation in regulatory policies. Her main focus areas are expected to include improving transparency within the organization, updating licensing procedures, and enhancing the alignment of taxation between gambling operators and government authorities.
The gambling industry in Slovakia has seen significant changes due to the rise of online platforms, new payment solutions, and the growing influence of affiliate marketing. However, legislation has lagged behind these developments, creating uncertainties for both operators and regulators alike.
According to the most recent annual report by the ÚRHH, the gambling turnover in Slovakia reached EUR 24.2 billion in 2024, representing a 14% increase from the previous year. Online gambling accounted for EUR 12.8 billion of the total turnover, while land-based gambling generated EUR 8.92 billion. Within the land-based sector, gaming halls contributed EUR 6.14 billion and casinos EUR 2.78 billion.
Looking Ahead: Stability and Reform in Slovak Gambling Regulation
With Baranová now leading the regulatory agency, all eyes are on the ÚRHH to see if it can bring the stability and clarity that the market demands. The coming months will test the government’s ability to address the structural issues affecting the sector rather than merely responding to visible symptoms.
If successful, these efforts could position Slovakia as a more robust and respected regulatory presence in the evolving European gambling landscape.
