Unlicensed operators remain in Czech despite new laws

A number of online gambling firms remain active in the Czech Republic despite the introduction of new regulation designed to clamp down on such operators.

As of January 1, operators wishing to offer gambling services in the county must first obtain a licence or face prosecution from the national regulator and police.

Companies also face tighter licensing processes, in addition to a new tax rate of 23% on gross gaming revenue for sports betting and lotteries and 35% for RNG casino games, on top of a standard 19% corporate tax rate.

However, despite the new laws, the Casinonewsdaily.com website has reported that some companies are still offering gambling services without a licence.

David Ondracka, director of the Czech arm of Transparency International, a non-governmental organisation, said no action has been taken against 25 unlicensed operators.

Ondracka said that Transparency International has informed the Czech Finance Ministry of its concerns and intends to carry out further investigations into the matter in April to see if the issues have been addressed.

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