Online poker is legal in Croatia under the comprehensive gambling framework established by the Games of Chance Act (Official Gazette Nos. 87/09, 35/13, 158/13, 41/14, 143/14 114/22). The current gambling legislation was passed in 2014, which set up the licensing framework for foreign gambling companies and opened the Croatian online gambling market to international operators (1). Players who have reached the legal age of 18 are free to join poker tables in both brick-and-mortar venues and online poker sites, with regulations being generally liberal from a player's perspective.
The regulatory oversight is managed by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Croatia, specifically through their Department for Games of Chance, which serves as the competent authority in charge of gambling regulation (2). The Ministry is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of gambling legislation, as well as the issuance of secondary regulations and gambling licenses. Anyone wishing to launch an online poker site must apply for a special license from the Minister of Finance, though the associated costs are quite high, leading some operators to leave the market.
"The principal regulatory oversight for gambling in Croatia is exercised by the Ministry of Finance, specifically through its Department for Games of Chance."
Croatia has established itself as a regulated online gambling jurisdiction within the European Union, with the European Commission having approved the country's gambling legislation in 2014. The regulatory framework ensures that operators must obtain proper licensing and comply with strict requirements, including substantial taxation. Unlicensed gambling operators face severe penalties, including fines from HRK 50,000 to HRK 500,000 or even imprisonment for up to eight years. This comprehensive regulatory approach provides player protection while maintaining a legitimate and controlled online poker environment.
Source:
https://www.legal500.com/guides/chapter/croatia-gambling-law/
https://legalpilot.com/country/croatia/
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
