Key points
- Gambling in the Czech Republic is governed by Act No. 186/2016 Coll. on Gambling. Internet games need a basic licence (základní povolení) from the Ministry of Finance.
- Operators may not let anyone under 18 take part (§ 7(1)).
- The Ministry of Finance keeps a list of unauthorised internet games, and internet providers must block those sites.
- A register of excluded persons and mandatory self-limitation tools protect players.
Who regulates online casinos in the Czech Republic?
The Ministry of Finance issues basic licences for internet games under Act No. 186/2016 Coll. on Gambling and supervises the market. The Act treats an internet game offered from abroad as operated in the Czech Republic when it is available there, so foreign operators need a Czech licence too.
Blocking of unauthorised sites
The Ministry of Finance publishes a list of unauthorised internet games after an administrative procedure. Under § 82 of the Act, internet access providers must block listed websites within 15 days of publication, at least at DNS level. The Czech Telecommunication Office supervises this duty, and breaches can be fined up to CZK 1 million. The Ministry also publishes notices when it intends to add sites to the list.
How to check an operator
- Check the Ministry of Finance's information on licensed operators of internet games.
- Check that the website does not appear on the published list of unauthorised internet games.
- Make sure the licence covers the game type, for example casino games rather than only betting.
Age and player protection
- Age 18. § 7(1): an operator may not allow a person under 18 to take part in gambling.
- Self-limitation. Operators must offer, and let you set, self-limiting measures (§ 14(1)). The types are listed in § 15.
- Register of excluded persons. The register is there to stop excluded people from gambling (§ 16). Entries are made under §§ 16a and 16b.
Bonuses
Bonuses at licensed sites must follow Czech rules and the operator's licence. Offers from operators on the unauthorised list are outside Czech protection. See how bonuses work.
Complaints and help
- Complain to the licensed operator first, then contact the Ministry of Finance as the supervisory authority.
- Use the self-limitation tools, or ask to be entered in the register of excluded persons.
Note about the offers on this page: the offers shown above are general advertising and do not indicate a licence in the Czech Republic. Use only operators licensed by the national regulator.
Sources
- KRAJTA (consolidated text), Act No. 186/2016 Coll. on Gambling, version from 1 October 2025. § 2, § 7, § 14–16. Checked 3 November 2026.
- Český telekomunikační úřad, Blocking illegal gambling: press release. Dated 30 March 2021; § 82 blocking duty and fines. Checked 3 November 2026.
Limitations: a summary for players, not legal advice. Check the Ministry of Finance pages for the current list of licensed operators and unauthorised sites.