Slovakia's gambling regulator partners with university

Slovakia's gambling regulator has forged a strategic partnership with academic institutions to address emerging digital gambling risks through educator training. On 27 February 2026, the Office for the Regulation of Gambling Games (URHH) and the Pedagogical Faculty of Trnava University officially signed a cooperation memorandum targeting prevention education for future generations.

The partnership establishes a framework for integrating gambling regulation expertise directly into teacher training programmes. Students at the pedagogical faculty will gain access to specialized knowledge through expert lectures and workshops covering gambling regulation, addiction prevention, responsible gaming practices, and emerging forms of digital gambling.

Academic Integration Strategy

The collaboration extends beyond traditional classroom instruction. The memorandum encompasses expert consultations for student thesis projects, participation in scientific conferences, and joint development of methodological materials for schools. This comprehensive approach aims to equip future educators with practical tools for addressing gambling-related challenges in educational settings.

"Today's digital age brings new challenges. The topic of gambling, online gaming and digital addictions increasingly affects the young generation, which requires a sophisticated and expert approach."

— Libuša Baranová, General Director, Office for the Regulation of Gambling Games

Baranová emphasized the critical role of educators in youth development, stating that teachers serve as guides during formative periods when young people develop personality traits and abilities to resist pressure and manipulation. The partnership combines regulatory expertise with academic tradition to establish protective mechanisms for vulnerable populations.

Educational Impact Framework

The pedagogical faculty leadership views child and youth protection as a fundamental societal priority. Prof. PhDr. Ing. Blanka Kudláčová, PhD., head of the Department of Pedagogical Studies at the Pedagogical Faculty, characterized the collaboration as a crucial step toward systematic training of educators in risk behavior prevention.

"Cooperation between the faculty and the Office for the Regulation of Gambling Games represents an important step toward systematic education of future teachers in the field of risk behavior prevention and will lead to strengthening the protection of children and young people from risks that may threaten their future."

— Prof. PhDr. Ing. Blanka Kudláčová, PhD., Head of Department of Pedagogical Studies

The partnership addresses the growing intersection of traditional gambling concerns with digital gaming environments, where boundaries between entertainment and gambling continue to blur for younger demographics.

Regulatory Support Infrastructure

Slovakia maintains comprehensive support systems for gambling-related issues. The country operates a 24-hour helpline at 0800 131 000 for gambling problems, managed by the specialized psychiatric treatment institution in Predná Hora Muránska Huta. International callers can access support through +421 587 875 800.

Additionally, the Register of Excluded Persons operates an information line at 0800 127 000, available Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 14:00. The URHH headquarters at Križkova 949/9, 811 04 Bratislava can be reached at +421 2 48 21 18 23.

Strategic Prevention Approach

Both institutions agree that investing in educator training represents the most effective pathway to creating safer environments for children in the digital age. The memorandum establishes a new standard for collaboration between state institutions and universities in developing informed, critically thinking, and responsible young people.

The initiative reflects growing recognition that traditional gambling regulation must evolve to address digital-native generations who encounter gambling-adjacent activities through mobile gaming, social media, and online platforms from early ages. Similar education-focused initiatives have emerged across Europe, with Denmark reaching a political deal on gambling reform measures that strengthen youth protection frameworks.

According to URHH.