Prague City Council approved a ban on all technical gambling games, including slot machines, in the capital in September 2020. The ban applies to all venues, regardless of their licenses. Although the city-wide ban was scheduled to take effect in 2024, it has been fully implemented since January 1, 2021. Consequently, venues can no longer legally offer slot machine play in Prague.
However, slot machines remain legal and accessible in licensed venues outside of Prague. Additionally, online slots are still available to play within the city. It is important to note that the regulations for online gambling have been updated, stating that any website without a license that is active and accessible in the country is considered illegal.
The Office for the Protection of Economic Competition has reviewed the decree and concluded that it may not fully align with competition laws. Further changes in the operation of gambling activities in Prague could occur, potentially resulting in imposed fines. The Prague authorities remain committed to cracking down on illegal operations, as evidenced by customs officials discovering and seizing illegal gaming equipment in unauthorized venues.
