Opinion on the licensing process after the approval of new legislation (the Gambling Act)

To whom it may concern,

I am pleased to inform you that the new Gambling Act which will allow EU operators to enter the market was passed by the legislative body. It is expected that the Gambling Act will come into effect on 1. 1. 2017, however, some parts of the new gambling law are going to come into force on the day of its promulgation in the Collection of Law. As a result, after the list of test labs will be made public, gambling operators will be able to apply for licenses.

Due to increasing amount of questions concerning the new regulation, the Ministry of Finance is preparing series of workshops from July to August where there will be presented various aspects of the (new) gambling law. Unclear provisions of the new gambling law will be explained and specified to operators in these seminars. Seminars are going to be held in Czech, therefore, assistance of local legal advisors might be beneficial, as translators cannot be guaranteed at this point. The Ministry of Finance will announce specific topics and dates for each workshop in advance, together with relevant statement (no later than the end of June). Please note that any questions are welcome in order to open a constructive discussion and find an effective solution.

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the Gambling and Lottery Supervision Department 34 will not accept appointments with operators regarding new legislation. However, all written questions remain welcome and will be included in the agenda for the workshops. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Petra Durovicova, Head of Licensing Unit of Gambling and Lottery Supervision Department (Petra.Durovicova@mfcr.cz).