Slovakia's Office for the Regulation of Gambling Games (ÚRHH) has secured a nomination for one of the industry's most prestigious international honors, marking a significant milestone for the country's regulatory approach to gambling oversight.
The independent expert jury selected ÚRHH from a record number of applications for the 9th annual Global Regulatory Awards (GRAs) 2025, announced on September 4, 2025, in Bratislava. The ceremony will take place on November 19 in London, where winners will be revealed across multiple categories recognizing excellence in gambling regulation worldwide.
Educational Innovation Drives Recognition
ÚRHH earned its nomination in the "Regulatory Initiative of the Year" category for its groundbreaking educational project titled "Gambling Without Myths and Illusions" (This is a foreign language title in Slovak - it should either be translated to English or kept as a proper project name. If translation is needed: "Gambling Without Myths and Illusions"). This initiative specifically targets secondary school students with comprehensive gambling awareness education.
The Global Regulatory Awards recognize individuals and teams working tirelessly to create and improve responsible gambling standards across the global gambling industry. The "Regulatory Initiative of the Year" award specifically honors campaigns or significant initiatives that enhance player protection, improve gambling market operations, or introduce innovative compliance approaches.
“I am extremely pleased that the international expert jury appreciated our emphasis on prevention and education of the young generation in responsible gambling. Obtaining a nomination for the Global Regulatory Awards prize I consider an extraordinary success not only for our office, but also for Slovakia.”
— Henrieta Vartovník Borowiecka, Head of Communication, Support Activities and International Cooperation Department
Global Regulatory Awards Background
The Global Regulatory Awards represent the gambling industry's premier recognition program for regulatory excellence, with the 2025 ceremony marking the 9th consecutive year of honoring outstanding achievements in gambling oversight and player protection initiatives worldwide.
Targeting Vulnerable Demographics
The recognition highlights Slovakia's proactive approach to addressing gambling risks among young people, a demographic particularly susceptible to marketing influences and risky behaviors.
“We realize that this age group is most vulnerable to the influences of gambling marketing practices and tends toward riskier behavior. Therefore, the Gambling Without Myths and Illusions project is designed to enable young people to understand how gambling works, thanks to relevant examples and open discussion.”
— Henrieta Vartovník Borowiecka, Head of Communication, Support Activities and International Cooperation Department
Project Implementation and Impact
Launched in November 2024, the "Gambling Without Myths and Illusions" educational project delivers comprehensive, unbiased information about gambling operations to secondary school students. The program emphasizes open communication about gambling risks while exposing marketing practices that target young people as future players.
The initiative aims to increase responsible gambling awareness, ensuring students possess sufficient knowledge to make informed decisions about future gambling participation. Schools interested in hosting the program can request visits by contacting [email protected].
Did you know?
The article was updated on November 21, 2025, reflecting the ongoing development of this regulatory initiative.
9th
Annual Global Regulatory Awards ceremony
24/7
Hours gambling helpline operates
9:00-14:00
Register of Excluded Persons line hours (Mon-Fri)
Support Resources Available
Slovakia maintains comprehensive support systems for gambling-related issues. The specialized helpline 0800 131 000 operates 24/7, providing free assistance for gambling problems. International callers can access paid support at +421 587 875 800. This service is operated by the Specialized Psychiatric Treatment Institute (Odborný liečebný ústav psychiatrický, n. o.) located in Predná Hora, part of Muránska Huta at address 126, 049 01 Muráň.
Additionally, the Register of Excluded Persons information line (0800 127 000) operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 14:00. Outside operating hours, inquiries can be directed to [email protected]. International callers must use the full number +421 800 127 000.
The ÚRHH headquarters operates from Križkova 949/9, 811 04 Bratislava, with general inquiries handled at +421 2 48 21 18 23 or [email protected].
International Best Practices
Leading gambling jurisdictions increasingly adopt multi-tiered support systems combining immediate crisis intervention, educational outreach, and self-exclusion tools. Slovakia's model integrates psychiatric treatment facilities with regulatory oversight, creating a comprehensive framework that addresses both prevention and treatment aspects of problem gambling.
Regulatory Leadership Through Innovation
This nomination represents more than recognition for a single program – it demonstrates Slovakia's commitment to proactive gambling regulation that prioritizes prevention over remediation. By focusing educational efforts on vulnerable populations before they develop problematic gambling behaviors, ÚRHH exemplifies forward-thinking regulatory practice.
The initiative's success suggests that effective gambling regulation extends beyond enforcement and licensing to encompass comprehensive public education. This approach positions Slovakia as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to balance gambling industry development with robust consumer protection.
Translate foreign language source: "According to [Office for the Regulation of Gambling Games]" or "According to [Úrad pre reguláciu hazardných hier (ÚRHH)]"(https://www.urhh.sk).
According to URHH.
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