Online casinos are legal in the Czech Republic, but only when operated by companies holding proper licenses issued by the Ministry of Finance (1). The Czech Gambling Act (Act No. 186/2016 Coll.) regulates all forms of gambling in the country, including online casino operations. Licensed operators can offer various forms of online gambling, including casino games, with the exception of tombola and small card tournaments. The regulatory framework ensures that only authorized operators can legally provide gambling services to Czech residents.
The Ministry of Finance's Department 73 serves as the primary regulatory body responsible for gambling regulation, maintaining strict oversight over the industry (1). This department manages gambling permits, supervises compliance with gambling laws, and maintains a comprehensive list of unauthorized internet gambling sites. Internet service providers in the Czech Republic are legally required to block access to unlicensed gambling websites within 15 days of their inclusion on the Ministry's blacklist (2). The government takes enforcement seriously, with fines for illegal gambling operations reaching up to 50 million CZK for operators and up to 1 million CZK for internet service providers who fail to block illegal sites.
"Only undertakings with a basic authorization issued by the Ministry of Finance are therefore allowed to operate gambling, and preventing the operation of gambling without permits that target Czech Republic residents is crucial."
The legal framework prioritizes player protection and responsible gambling practices. Licensed operators must implement measures to prevent underage gambling, respect self-exclusion requests, and maintain a register of excluded players. The regulatory system ensures that gambling activities conducted online are subject to the same protective measures as land-based operations, creating a safer environment for Czech players while generating tax revenue for the state through regulated channels.
Source:
https://www.mfcr.cz/en/about-ministry/organisation-chart/section-legal/dept-73-procedural-agendas-and-gambling-regulation
https://ctu.gov.cz/en/press-release-blocking-illegal-gambling-shall-be-responsibility-access-providers
Last updated: 26-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
