Online gambling in Croatia has undergone many important changes over the past decade, from its legalization in 2010 to the finalization of its legal framework in 2015. Under the management of the Ministry of Finance and the supervision of the state lottery Hrvatska Lutrija, the current online gambling market is a highly regulated and steadily developing sector. So where to play betting in Croatia? Today let win tips bet learn about the top 5 Croatia betting sites through the article below!
Gambling in Croatia: Legal Framework
Online gambling, along with online betting in Croatia, entered the legal sphere in 2010 through the Gambling Act NN 8/10 - 'Act on the organization of games of chance'. This law has undergone two amendments and was finalized with the Gambling Act in 2015, with approval from the European Commission and the European Union.
According to the provisions of the Act, online betting is entirely legal and regulated by the Ministry of Finance. This entails transferring all regulatory authority to the state lottery (Hrvatska Lutrija). This agency has the exclusive right to organize online betting, and any betting website wishing to operate legally in Croatia must obtain approval from the Ministry of Finance.
The result of this policy is a monopolistic market, with only 3 bookmakers permitted to operate legally: Hattrick/Prva Sportska Kladionica, SuperSport, and Germania Sport. All these legal bookmaker must comply with a 5% monthly tax on the total amount paid out.
For international bookmakers, they do not qualify for licensing because they have not registered in Croatia. Many of them have been blacklisted by the government. However, despite these risks, unlicensed foreign brands continue to operate in the Croatian market, and there are no laws or regulations prohibiting local players from participating in their betting activities.
Top 5 Croatia betting sites
1. W88
W88, established in 2013, is one of the leading online betting websites in Asia and quickly became a prominent brand in the online entertainment industry. This site offers a diverse range of services such as sports betting, online casinos, digital games, and other entertainment products. Managed by Marquee Holdings Ltd., W88 is licensed by the First Cagayan Leisure & Resort Corporation (CEZA) of the Philippines and holds a license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). These licenses ensure that W88 operates under strict regulations and industry standards, providing players with peace of mind regarding legality and security.
In terms of products, W88 stands out with a variety of sports betting options, offering over 20,000 sports events monthly, including football, basketball, tennis, racing, and eSports. The site also offers numerous attractive online casino games such as baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and various slot games from well-known game providers. Additionally, W88 sponsors several major sports clubs worldwide, most notably Aston Villa FC in the English Premier League. This not only enhances W88's brand but also builds strong relationships with the sports community, creating a professional and trustworthy image in the eyes of fans and players.
2. 22Bet
Founded in 2017, 22Bet quickly established itself as a safe and reliable online betting platform. With an interface supporting over 50 languages, 22Bet has become a favorite destination for players seeking top-notch betting experiences. The site features mobile-friendly options and efficient live-streaming services, ensuring that players have easy access to attractive odds and competitive bonuses. The first deposit bonus of up to 920 HRK for players in Croatia is a strong attraction. However, to withdraw funds, players must wager five times the bonus amount through accumulator bets, each containing at least three selections with odds of 1.40 or higher, creating a significant challenge for many players.
22Bet offers a rich betting experience with live match statistics, including information on corners, cards, hits, and even weather conditions. The live streaming service for eSports events via Android and iOS apps allows players to conveniently follow and bet. Players can participate in five accumulator bets daily, starting with a minimum amount of 1.50 HRK. 22Bet's customer support is highly rated, with live chat service ensuring quick responses in less than 5 minutes, providing satisfaction and peace of mind for players.
3. Bet365
Compared to other betting sites in Croatia, Bet365 offers a superior traditional platform, including mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices. All versions maintain Bet365 distinctive color theme and provide a user-friendly interface. The Bet365 mobile app fully mirrors the functionality of the desktop version, allowing users to easily switch between different matches. This makes sports betting in Croatia simple and convenient, requiring just a few clicks to seamlessly transition between live and pre-match betting processes.
Bet365 provides a wide range of betting markets for players to choose from, covering popular sports like football tips and basketball to lesser-known ones. The platform also offers live streaming services for important matches, enabling players to quickly and accurately follow and bet. Bet365 is notable for its high responsiveness, allowing players to set bets for automatic cash-out during matches. Bet365's in-game view is very detailed, offering a realistic and convenient experience, and enhancing player satisfaction when using this site's services.
4. Megapari
Megapari is a well-known online betting site in Croatia, offering a range of services from sports betting to online casinos. The site stands out with its user-friendly interface, a wide variety of betting options, and both international and domestic sports events. Players can bet on popular sports such as football, basketball, tennis, and the increasingly popular eSports. Megapari also offers attractive casino games like slots, poker, roulette, and blackjack, catering to diverse entertainment needs.
Additionally, Megapari is known for its attractive promotional programs and rewards for both new and regular players. The site supports multiple payment methods, from credit cards and bank transfers to popular e-wallets, ensuring convenience and security for users. With a professional customer support team and 24/7 customer service, Megapari has built a reputation and trust among the betting community in Croatia and internationally.
5. 20Bet
20Bet is a global online betting site that provides services to players in Croatia and many other countries. This site stands out with diverse betting options, including sports betting, online casinos, and eSports betting. Players can bet on numerous international and domestic sports events, from football, basketball, and tennis to less popular sports. Notably, 20Bet offers a range of casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker, providing a rich and engaging entertainment experience for users.
Furthermore, 20Bet is known for its attractive promotional programs, including welcome bonuses for new players and regular promotions for existing players. The site supports various payment methods, from credit cards and bank transfers to e-wallets, ensuring flexibility and safety in transactions. 20Bet's customer support team operates 24/7, ready to address any queries and assist players promptly and efficiently. With a user-friendly interface and professional service, 20Bet has built a reputation and trust in the betting community worldwide.
Conclusion
Overall, the online gambling market in Croatia has been shaped by a solid legal system, ensuring safety and transparency for players in the country. Despite restrictions on international bookmakers, the emergence of legitimate and reputable domestic bookmakers such as Hattrick/Prva Sportska Kladionica, SuperSport, and Germania Sport has strengthened players' confidence in this market. Croatia betting sites such as W88, 22Bet, Bet365, Megapari, and 20Bet, although not officially licensed, still attract a significant amount of appeal thanks to their diverse services and attractive promotions. The future of online gambling in Croatia promises to continue to evolve while facing and adapting to challenges from international competition and regulations.