Online poker is legal in the Czech Republic under the comprehensive gambling framework established by Act No. 186/2016 Coll., on Gambling ("Gambling Act"). This legislation defines "gambling" as a game of chance, betting or a lottery in which a participant wagers a bet, while no return on such bet is guaranteed, and regulates all forms of gambling activities including online poker (1). All regulated forms of gambling can be offered online, with the exception of tombola and small card tournaments, making online poker fully accessible to Czech operators and players within the legal framework.
The regulatory oversight is managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade through the Trade Licensing Office system, which handles business licensing and registration for gambling operators in the Czech Republic (2). Operators wishing to provide online poker services must obtain proper licensing through the Trade Licensing Office and comply with strict regulatory requirements. One of the key requirements for operators is to have their registered seat in the Czech Republic, another EU Member State, or a member state of the European Economic Area to operate legally within the jurisdiction.
"All regulated forms of gambling can be offered online, with the exception of tombola and small card tournaments. Games of chance are considered to be operated in the Czech Republic if they are even partially targeted at persons in the Czech Republic."
The Czech Republic has implemented a robust taxation system for gambling operations, with two main tax rates imposed since January 1, 2020: 23% for fixed-odds betting, bingo, live games, raffles and small-scale tournaments, and 35% for lotteries and technical games. Recent amendments to the Gambling Act and the Act on Gambling Tax came into force on January 1, 2024, representing the most extensive regulatory changes since the original legislation was implemented. This comprehensive regulatory framework ensures that online poker operates within a well-defined legal structure while providing player protection and generating significant tax revenue for the state.
Source:
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-online-gambling-regulation-in-europe/czech-republic
https://mpo.gov.cz/en/business/licensed-trades/
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
