Slovakia Self-Exclusion Register Hits 20,000 Mark

Slovakia's gambling self-exclusion register has crossed a significant threshold, with more than 20,000 persons requesting registration in the Register of Excluded Persons (RVO) since its launch. The milestone reflects growing awareness of responsible gaming tools among Slovak players.

According to data released on 16 June 2025 in Bratislava, the register contained 20,544 self-excluded gamblers by the end of May 2025. This represents substantial growth from the early adoption period – in May 2020, more than one year after the system's launch, only 5,871 voluntarily self-excluded persons were registered.

Monthly Registration Activity

In May 2025 alone, 513 new self-excluders joined the register, while 186 persons requested removal from the system. This net monthly growth demonstrates continued utilization of the self-exclusion mechanism as a preventive tool.

The Register of Excluded Persons and self-exclusion institute launched in Slovakia in 2019 as a cornerstone of the country's responsible gaming framework. The system provides individuals concerned about gambling's negative impact on their lives with a straightforward protective mechanism.

"Crossing the threshold of twenty thousand self-exclusions confirms the functionality and justification of this key regulatory tool. For the office, it signals that citizens perceive self-exclusion as an accessible and effective form of prevention."

— Jana Mravíková, General Director of the Gaming Regulation Authority

Self-Exclusion Process and Requirements

Any person aged 18 years or older can request self-exclusion, resulting in prohibition from online gambling participation and banned entry to gaming halls, casinos, and betting offices for a minimum six-month period.

The application process requires completing a request form available on the Gaming Regulation Authority website at www.urhh.sk. Applicants must provide an officially verified signature or, for electronic submissions, use a qualified electronic signature.

Completed applications can be submitted by mail or delivered in person to the Gaming Regulation Authority offices. The regulator has established multiple contact channels to support the process.

Support Infrastructure

The authority operates a dedicated information line at 0800 127 000, available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Citizens can also email inquiries to [email protected] for information about registration or removal procedures.

Slovakia maintains separate specialized support for gambling addiction through a 24/7 helpline at 0800 131 000. This service, operated by the Psychiatric Treatment Institute in Prievidza, provides prevention, diagnosis, and treatment support for substance and non-substance addictions. International callers can reach the service at +421 587 875 800.

Regulatory Authority Contact Details

The Gaming Regulation Authority operates from Križkova 949/9, 811 04 Bratislava, with general inquiries handled at +421 2 48 21 18 23 or [email protected]. The information was last updated on 24 February 2026.

Broader Implications for Regional Markets

The Slovak self-exclusion data provides valuable insights for other jurisdictions developing responsible gaming frameworks. The four-fold increase in registrations from 2020 to 2025 suggests that awareness campaigns and accessible processes can drive significant adoption of protective measures.

"Our goal is to create and maintain a safe and transparent environment in the gambling market. Data from the Register of Excluded Persons provides valuable input for further configuring responsible gaming principles and targeted public education about gambling risks."

— Jana Mravíková, General Director of the Gaming Regulation Authority

The Slovak model's emphasis on multiple contact channels and clear procedures offers a template for operators and regulators prioritizing player protection. The sustained monthly registration activity indicates the system has achieved operational maturity, with regular utilization by at-risk individuals.

For compliance officers across Central Europe, Slovakia's experience demonstrates the importance of robust administrative infrastructure supporting self-exclusion systems. The combination of online applications, postal submissions, and dedicated helplines addresses various user preferences and accessibility requirements.

According to URHH.