Slovak President Vetoes Gambling Act Amendment, Returns Bill to Parliament

President Cites Constitutional Violations Over Local Self-Government

President Peter Pellegrini returned the Gambling Act amendment to Parliament on November 3, stating the legislation represents “unacceptable interference in the constitutional right to territorial self-government, the autonomy of municipalities, towns and their exercise of public authority, including respect for the principle of legal certainty.”

The president emphasized that citizens across Slovakia have already expressed clear opposition to gambling facilities through local referendums and elected representatives.

“The sovereign holder of power in Slovakia is the citizen. Citizens in many places in Slovakia, either directly in local referendums or through their elected representatives, have made it clear that they don’t want gambling in their village or town. The approved law, despite its amendments in Parliament, doesn’t guarantee that the will of citizens will be fully respected.”

Bill Would Override Municipal Gambling Bans

Pellegrini warned that the amendment would allow casinos to operate even in municipalities where local councils have adopted regulations prohibiting gambling establishments.

“The approved wording of the law didn’t remove its original objective, which is to invalidate the autonomous decisions of local authorities and to overturn the already expressed sovereign will of the inhabitants of towns and villages.”

Fast-Tracked Amendment Aimed at Revenue Increase

Parliament approved the amendment on October 23 through a fast-tracked legislative procedure designed to increase state budget revenues by regulating gambling levies and adjusting the law based on practical application, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.

The proposal would permit national lottery company Tipos to acquire valid casino licenses and continue operating them. Late amendments added by coalition MPs required municipalities to confirm their approval before any license transfer, with continued casino operations restricted to the same locality.

The vote saw 71 of 78 MPs present supporting the amendment. Coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) members abstained, while opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote entirely to register their disapproval.

Tourism Minister Defends Revenue Potential

Minister of Tourism and Sport Rudolf Huliak, whose ministry proposed the legislation, defended the amendment as necessary to boost state revenue through Tipos acquiring casino licenses. He criticized the presidential veto, arguing Slovakia cannot afford to lose hundreds of millions in potential income.

Opposition Welcomes Veto During Responsible Gaming Week

Opposition parties, including KDH (Christian Democrats) and Progresívne Slovensko (Progressive Slovakia), welcomed the president’s decision as a stand against expanding gambling operations.

The veto occurred during Slovakia’s Responsible Gaming Week, which promotes prevention and awareness of gambling addiction.

Under the proposed legislation, Tipos would have been required to allocate a minimum of €500,000 annually to gambling addiction prevention initiatives and relocate casino operations to hotel venues within one year if deemed necessary.

Parliament now has the option to override the presidential veto with an absolute majority vote. If lawmakers uphold the bill, the legislation could come into force in 2026.

Source: Office of the President of the Slovak Republic