Slovakia launches gambling risk education with University of Trnava

Gambling Regulatory Authority of Slovakia has entered into a formal partnership with University of Trnava to create an education-focused initiative addressing gambling risks, regulatory awareness and prevention strategies. The collaboration reflects a broader effort by Slovak authorities to strengthen public understanding of gambling harms while supporting policymakers with research-based guidance as the country’s market evolves toward online platforms.

The programme has been commissioned through the university’s Faculty of Education and will combine academic research, regulatory knowledge and national gambling data. The goal is to provide educational tools for students, educators, institutions and policymakers while encouraging a more structured approach to prevention and public awareness.

The initiative also arrives at a time when Slovakia is examining how its gambling governance model should adapt to technological change and market expansion in digital environments.

Academic programme designed to address gambling harms

Under a memorandum of cooperation signed between the regulator and the university, the Faculty of Education will design a comprehensive academic framework focused on gambling risk awareness, addiction prevention and regulatory literacy.

The curriculum will incorporate several key areas including gambling regulation, behavioral risk factors, digital gaming environments and the rapid expansion of online gambling products. By combining academic expertise with official regulatory data, the programme aims to produce teaching materials and research resources that can be used across educational institutions.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Slovakia will contribute anonymized national gambling data along with policy expertise. Researchers and lecturers will then analyse these materials to develop structured courses and educational content for both university students and professional training programs.

Officials involved in the project describe the collaboration as an attempt to integrate academic research more closely with public administration. By building educational capacity around gambling regulation, authorities hope to equip educators and future policymakers with the tools required to identify and respond to emerging risks.

Focus on prevention and public awareness

One of the primary objectives of the initiative is to strengthen prevention strategies related to gambling harms. Educational institutions are increasingly viewed as key partners in addressing social risks linked to digital entertainment and online gambling accessibility.

The Faculty of Education at the University of Trnava will therefore design materials aimed not only at university students but also teachers and educational institutions across Slovakia. These materials are expected to support awareness campaigns and prevention initiatives targeting younger audiences.

Libuša Baranová, Director General of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Slovakia, emphasized the importance of building a structured response to gambling risks in modern digital environments.

“The topic of gambling, online gaming and digital addictions is increasingly affecting the young generation, which requires a sophisticated and professional approach.”

Baranová explained that collaboration between regulators and academic institutions can strengthen prevention initiatives and ensure they are supported by research and educational expertise.

“I believe that by combining our expertise with the academic tradition of the Faculty of Education of the University of Trnava, we will create a strong mechanism to protect the most vulnerable and contribute to the formation of future educators as pillars of prevention in our society.”

Through this partnership the university is expected to produce academic research papers, conference presentations and graduate theses that explore gambling regulation and public policy challenges.

Expanding the role of research in gambling policy

In addition to educational outputs, the programme will contribute to broader policy discussions in Slovakia. Academic research can provide evidence-based insights into player behaviour, risk exposure and the effectiveness of regulatory measures.

This evidence is expected to support policymakers as they consider adjustments to the country’s gambling framework. Academic consultation may also help clarify how regulatory responsibilities should be shared between state institutions, regulators and social services.

Since January 2026 the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Slovakia has formally assumed the role of primary supervisory authority for consumer protection in the national gambling sector. This expanded mandate includes monitoring market developments, enforcing compliance standards and promoting responsible gambling initiatives.

Officials believe that cooperation with academic institutions can enhance this work by providing analytical expertise and independent research perspectives.

Market shift toward online gambling

The programme is being launched at a time when Slovakia’s gambling market is undergoing structural change. Recent market data published by the regulator shows that online gambling has overtaken traditional land-based venues as the dominant segment of the industry.

According to the authority’s latest market report, player losses associated with land-based gambling halls and casinos reached approximately €469.3 million in 2025. In contrast online gambling activity generated estimated losses of around €570 million.

These figures suggest that consumer participation is increasingly concentrated in digital gambling formats. The trend reflects broader changes observed across European markets where online platforms offer greater accessibility and a wider range of gaming options.

At the same time the land-based sector has experienced a measurable decline. Revenues from physical gambling venues fell to roughly €286.6 million in 2025 representing a year-on-year decrease of about 15.6 percent.

For regulators the growth of digital gambling presents new policy challenges. Online platforms can operate across borders, integrate complex marketing strategies and introduce new game mechanics that require updated regulatory approaches.

As a result authorities are placing greater emphasis on monitoring online environments and studying how digital design elements influence gambling behaviour.

Political debate over gambling regulation

The academic initiative also coincides with ongoing political debate regarding the future of gambling regulation in Slovakia.

Lawmakers in the National Council of the Slovak Republic have discussed potential reforms to the country’s gambling laws, which are largely based on legislation introduced in 2019. While some policymakers argue that the existing framework remains effective, others believe that changes are necessary to address the rapid expansion of online gambling.

Among those advocating reform is Rudolf Huliak, Slovakia’s Minister of Sports and Tourism. Huliak has proposed reviewing gambling licences and strengthening regulatory rules to enhance oversight of the sector.

Supporters of the proposal have suggested that stricter regulation could improve transparency and increase tax contributions from the national lottery operator TIPOS. Estimates presented during political discussions suggested that reforms could increase state revenue from the operator by more than €100 million.

However the proposal has also generated debate among policymakers and industry stakeholders. Critics expressed concern that certain measures could potentially alter competitive conditions within the market.

Legislative uncertainty continues

The reform package ultimately faced a setback when Peter Pellegrini declined to sign the amendments in December. The president indicated that some provisions required further examination to ensure that competitive safeguards within the gambling market remain intact.

While the legislative proposal was not adopted, the broader discussion surrounding gambling regulation continues. Government officials have indicated that further policy options may be explored in 2026 as part of a wider review of gambling governance.

For the moment the partnership between the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Slovakia and the University of Trnava represents one of the most concrete initiatives underway in the sector.

By investing in research and education, authorities hope to develop a deeper understanding of gambling risks while preparing institutions to respond effectively to emerging trends.

Role of educators in prevention strategies

Education specialists involved in the project emphasize that teachers and educational institutions play an important role in prevention efforts.

Young people are increasingly exposed to digital gaming environments that can include gambling-style mechanics, advertising or online betting opportunities. Educators who understand these risks are better positioned to identify early warning signs and provide guidance.

The University of Trnava programme therefore aims to prepare future educators with the knowledge required to address gambling-related topics responsibly in classrooms and community settings.

This approach reflects a growing recognition among European regulators that prevention must extend beyond enforcement measures. Public awareness, education and social support systems are increasingly viewed as essential components of responsible gambling policies.

Future impact of the collaboration

Although the programme remains in its early stages, its long-term impact could extend beyond academic research. The initiative has the potential to influence national education policy, inform regulatory decisions and strengthen collaboration between government agencies and universities.

Research findings generated through the programme may contribute to discussions about regulatory improvements, consumer protection strategies and digital gambling oversight.

If successful the project could also serve as a model for cooperation between regulators and academic institutions in other jurisdictions.

Conclusion

The partnership between the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Slovakia and the University of Trnava represents a strategic effort to combine academic research with regulatory expertise at a time of significant change within the country’s gambling market. As online gambling continues to expand, authorities face increasing pressure to develop policies that balance economic activity with effective consumer protection.

By focusing on education, prevention and research, the new programme aims to equip educators, policymakers and institutions with evidence-based tools that address gambling risks in a responsible manner. While political discussions about broader regulatory reform remain ongoing, the collaboration offers a constructive pathway for improving public awareness and strengthening institutional knowledge.

In the longer term initiatives like this may play a critical role in shaping how Slovakia approaches gambling governance. By integrating academic insight into regulatory frameworks, the country has an opportunity to build a more informed and balanced system that protects consumers while supporting transparent oversight of the evolving gambling industry.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the new gambling education programme in Slovakia?
The programme aims to increase awareness of gambling risks and strengthen prevention strategies through academic research education and collaboration with regulators.

Which institutions are involved in the initiative?
The programme is being developed through cooperation between the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Slovakia and the University of Trnava.

Why is Slovakia focusing on gambling education?
Authorities believe education and research can help reduce gambling harms while supporting policymakers with evidence-based insights.

What role will the University of Trnava play in the programme?
The university’s Faculty of Education will design academic materials research projects and training resources related to gambling regulation and prevention.

How will the gambling regulator contribute to the project?
The regulator will provide access to national gambling data along with policy expertise to support research and curriculum development.

Why is online gambling becoming more important in Slovakia?
Recent market data shows that online platforms have surpassed land-based venues in terms of player losses and participation levels.

What challenges does online gambling present for regulators?
Online platforms introduce issues such as cross-border activity digital marketing strategies and increased accessibility for consumers.

Is Slovakia planning to change its gambling laws?
Political discussions about potential reforms are ongoing but no comprehensive legislative package has been adopted yet.

How could the programme influence public policy?
Research findings and academic analysis could help inform future regulatory decisions and consumer protection strategies.

What is the long-term goal of the partnership?
The long-term objective is to strengthen prevention efforts improve regulatory understanding and support responsible gambling policies in Slovakia.