Slovakia Regulator Studies Gen-Z Gambling Risks

Slovakia’s gambling regulator is strengthening its focus on younger audiences by partnering with academia to study how digital gaming features may contribute to gambling-related risks.

The Slovak Gambling Regulatory Authority (URHH) has introduced its “Safer Digital Future” programme through a memorandum with the Department of Digital Games at the Faculty of Mass Media Communication of the University of St Cyril and Methodius in Trnava (FMK UCM).

The cooperation will produce research into digital products and behaviours affecting younger users. A central area will be the increasingly blurred boundary between gaming and gambling, including loot boxes, skin betting and randomised reward systems.

Research To Examine Digital Gambling Risks

URHH said modern monetisation approaches, game design and social media can expose young people to chance-based spending and mechanics resembling gambling. The regulator is particularly concerned that repeated exposure could normalise risk-taking among Generation Z, defined here as ages 14 to 29, and Generation Alpha, aged one to 13.

Libuša Baranová, Director General of URHH, said regulators need a detailed understanding of the digital environments used by younger generations.

“For Generations Z and Alpha, technology is not just a tool, but a natural environment in which they shape their identity, social relationships and worldview,” Baranová explained.

“We need to know in detail the specifics of the gaming industry, video game design and psychological mechanisms that affect young people.”

FMK UCM’s Department of Digital Games operates Slovakia’s first comprehensive academic programme focused on digital games and game studies. Its knowledge will support monitoring of gaming developments, assessment of emerging risks and the creation of prevention programmes.

The agreement also provides for regular knowledge sharing between researchers and the regulator, alongside future studies and educational work aimed at young people.

Juliána Mináriková, Acting Dean of FMK UCM, said digital games have a major influence on younger generations and stressed the importance of examining their potential risks.

“It is important to understand their mechanics not only from the perspective of design and player experience, but also from the perspective of their possible risks.

“We see cooperation with the Gambling Regulatory Authority as an opportunity to connect our knowledge of the gaming industry with practical prevention tools and thus contribute to ensuring that young people are able to use the digital environment responsibly.”

Legislative Review Remains Under Consideration

The partnership comes as Slovakia continues to consider wider changes to gambling legislation. The National Council is examining whether to conduct a broader review of the Gambling Act of 2019, with online casino gaming now the country’s largest gambling vertical.

Sports and Tourism Minister Rudolf Huliak previously submitted amendments proposing tighter market controls and restrictions on gambling licences. President Peter Pellegrinivetoed those measures while indicating support for a broader reform programme centred on consumer protection.

URHH’s research initiative places evidence gathering at the centre of its approach as Slovakia considers future policy. The work with FMK UCM is expected to contribute information for decisions involving high-risk games, gambling-related digital mechanics and protections for younger consumers.

Source:

“Slovakia forms evidence coalition for Gen-z gambling rules”, sbcnews.co.uk, August 24, 2026