Is Online Betting Legal in Croatia?
Indeed, online gambling is allowed in Croatia. Yet Hrvatska Loterija, the national lottery that used to have monopoly on it changed the situation recently. Land-based and online wagering became officially allowed in Croatia since 2014 when ‘Zakon o igrama na sreću’ was approved by Parliament.
A single year costs a gambling license in Croatia 3,000,000 HRK and operators must retain the same amount as reserve. In addition to regular corporate tax, they must also pay taxes. These strict policies have resulted in only a few companies operating within the country such as Prva Sportska Kladionica, Germania Sport, and SuperSport.
However, there is another way out. Fortunately, in line with the country’s policies, Croatian sports gamblers can conveniently reach offshore websites.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Winnings in Croatia?
According to Croatian law, winnings from local operators are taxable but the rate varies depending on the amount of cash won. There is a tax of 10 percent for any win less than HRK 10,000 and if it falls between HRK 10,000 and HRK 30,000 then it will amount to 15 percent. The rest is taxed at twenty percent if it lies between this range of prizes i.e. HRK 30,000 to HRK 500,000 while winnings above this amount attract a thirty percent rate.
The tax is payable at source, therefore, the operator from Croatia reduces payments and pays tax for winners. Luckily, no taxes will be deducted from winnings of any individual gambling on international betting sites within the borders of Croatia; this makes them more affordable comparatively.
The History of Sports Betting in Croatia
It was not until 1991 before any form of gambling was allowed to be provided for Croatian people but only by government-licensed casinos, shops and booths. The situation was changed in 2009 with the Games of Chance Act allowing bets where the profit or loss is based on chance. Furthermore, this act introduced famous high tax rates on operator’s profits from gambling.
The Croatian 2010 Ordinance for Interactive On-line Casino Betting sets out the terms governing online gambling in the country. This made it mandatory for gamblers to be 18 years and over, operational funds kept separate from deposits, and routine audits carried out on sites.
The Croatian market opened up in 2013 with EU membership. Operators within EU have been able to offer Croatian betting sites and the government has not done anything to stop them. This means that Croats can play on these international sites and get better odds, more markets and other benefits from the local operators.
Expecting that the situation will persist, especially since blocking EU based sites would violate European Union laws, it will continue like this. This has been tried elsewhere and failed so Croatian players can still go to some of the best international gambling sites.
What are the best betting sites in Croatia? Here is a rundown of the finest betting companies in Croatia. These platforms cover various sports, have numerous deposit and withdrawal methods, employ customer care professionals who are available all round the clock on any day of the week and finally winnings free from government deductions.
Do sports betting sites accept Croatian kuna? The Croatian kuna (HKR) is the currency that can be deposited and withdrawn by local punters at the best online bookmakers. Additionally, there are other variants of using HKR at their online sportsbooks and those who prefer to use Euro, for example, will find it widely accepted.
What is the legal gambling age in Croatia? For one to gamble online in Croatia, he or she must be eighteen years and above. This rule is applicable to local providers and foreign bookmakers too; before becoming a member, you will have to send your ID so that they could verify the information given.
Q.Does Bwin accept players from Croatia? A. Regrettably, Bwin withdrew from the Croatian market in 2013. Perhaps mirroring this withdrawal trend, it also stopped its online gambling services to some other nations but with no sign of coming back.