Slovak Gambling Regulator ÚRHH Nominated for Global Regulatory Awards

Slovakia's gambling regulatory authority has achieved international recognition with a nomination for one of the industry's most prestigious awards, marking a significant milestone for the country's regulatory approach to responsible gaming.

The Úrad pre reguláciu hazardných hier (ÚRHH) announced on September 4, 2025 in Bratislava that it had secured a nomination for the 9th annual Global Regulatory Awards 2025. The nomination comes in the "Regulatory Initiative of the Year" category for its educational project Hazard bez mýtov a ilúzií (Gambling without Myths and Illusions).

International Recognition for Prevention-Focused Approach

The Global Regulatory Awards ceremony will take place on November 19 in London, where ÚRHH will compete alongside other international regulatory bodies for recognition of excellence in gambling regulation standards.

The Global Regulatory Awards program specifically recognises individuals and teams working to create and improve responsible gaming standards within the global gambling industry. The "Regulatory Initiative of the Year" award honours specific campaigns or significant initiatives designed to enhance player protection, improve gambling market operations, or introduce innovative approaches to regulatory compliance.

"Nesmierne ma teší, že medzinárodná odborná porota ocenila práve dôraz na prevenciu a vzdelávanie mladej generácie v oblasti zodpovedného hrania."

— Henrieta Vartovník Borowiecka, Head of Communication, Support Activities and International Cooperation at ÚRHH

"Získanie nominácie na cenu Global Regulatory Awards považujem za mimoriadny úspech nielen pre náš úrad, ale i pre Slovensko"

— Henrieta Vartovník Borowiecka

Educational Initiative Targeting Vulnerable Demographics

The nominated project Hazard bez mýtov a ilúzií launched in November 2024 specifically targets secondary school students, addressing what regulators identify as the most vulnerable demographic to gambling marketing influences.

The initiative provides comprehensive, unbiased information about how gambling operations function, emphasising open communication about gaming risks and exposing marketing practices that target young people as potential future players. The program aims to increase awareness of responsible gaming principles while equipping students with sufficient knowledge to make informed decisions about future gambling participation.

Program Structure and Objectives

The educational campaign is designed to deliver factual information through relevant examples and open discussion formats. After completing the presentations, students possess adequate knowledge to make responsible, informed decisions about whether and how they might engage with gambling activities in the future.

Schools interested in hosting the program can contact the regulatory office directly at [email protected] to arrange presentations.

Support Infrastructure and Contact Information

ÚRHH operates comprehensive support systems for gambling-related issues. The authority maintains a 24-hour helpline at 0800 131 000 for gambling problems, operated by Odborný liečebný ústav psychiatrický, n. o. located at Predná Hora Muránska Huta, časť Predná Hora č. 126, 049 01 Muráň. International callers can reach the service at +421 587 875 800.

Additionally, the Register of Excluded Persons information line operates at 0800 127 000 during business hours (Monday-Friday 9:00-14:00), with after-hours contact available at [email protected]. International callers should dial +421 800 127 000.

The regulatory office maintains its headquarters at Križkova 949/9, 811 04 Bratislava, with general inquiries directed to +421 2 48 21 18 23 or [email protected].

Strategic Implications for European Regulatory Standards

This international recognition signals growing emphasis on preventive regulatory approaches across European gambling markets. The nomination validates proactive educational strategies over purely reactive enforcement measures, potentially influencing regulatory frameworks in other jurisdictions facing similar youth gambling concerns.

The focus on secondary school education represents a strategic shift toward addressing gambling risks before legal gambling age, acknowledging that exposure to gambling concepts and marketing occurs well before regulatory protection typically begins. This approach may establish precedent for expanded educational mandates within regulatory frameworks across the region.

For operators across European markets, the recognition of prevention-focused initiatives suggests increasing regulatory expectations for industry participation in educational efforts and youth protection measures beyond traditional compliance requirements.

According to URHH.