Prague obtains self-governing authority in gambling control, according to a Czech court decision.
Prague Districts Granted Self-Governing Authority over Gambling Regulations
The Czech Constitutional Court has ruled that Prague's districts can regulate gambling independently, granting them autonomous power to set their own rules [Source]. This decision empowers each of the city's 57 districts to decide whether to allow, restrict, or prohibit various gambling activities.
The Constitutional Court's ruling aligns with the Czech gambling regulation of 2021, which permits live casino games in Prague but bans slot machines citywide. In response to objections raised by the Ministry of the Interior and the Czech Office for Competition Protection in 2023, the court dismissed their concerns, determining that the regulations adhere to the Czech Gambling Act of 2016 [Source].
While slot machines remain prohibited citywide, Prague districts now have the freedom to permit, restrict, or outright ban live dealer games. Currently, 41 out of 57 districts have chosen to enforce a complete ban on live casino games like poker and roulette. The remaining districts have implemented restrictions on casino opening hours [Source].
The court also outlined that local self-determination should take into account concerns of the district population regarding gambling and enable individual decisions tailored to the district's needs and demographic makeup [Source]. However, Judge Milan Hulmák expressed dissent, arguing that there is no basis for differential gambling regulations within Prague [Source].
The gambling industry has been impacted by a recent financial authority investigation, uncovering tax evasion for the years 2021 and 2022. The investigation resulted in demands for approximately 540 million CZK (22 million euros) in back taxes from gambling providers, as well as additional penalties for incorrect statements made to the tax authority [Source]. The specific providers involved in the tax evasion have not been identified [Source].
In response to the Constitutional Court's ruling, the Prague City Council welcomed the decision, stating that it represents a significant step toward self-governance for individual districts and affords improved protection for the local population [Source].
Notably, the new regulations are not without controversy. The lack of uniform rules across the city has raised concerns about potential confusion and inequality [Source]. However, the court maintains that addressing local needs and conditions justifies different regulations in each district [Source].
In conclusion, while slot machines are banned citywide, live dealer games are subject to district-by-district regulation in Prague, with many districts opting to impose strict gambling restrictions or outright bans [Source]. Districts looking to relax these restrictions must weigh the potential benefits against the concerns of the local population and consider whether differential regulations are fair and effective.
What is the status of live casino games like poker and roulette in the districts of Prague? The Constitutional Court's ruling has granted each district the freedom to permit, restrict, or outright ban such casino-games as part of their self-governing authority over gambling regulations. However, while most districts have chosen to enforce a complete ban, individual district's decisions must take into account concerns of the district population and enable tailored, responsive regulations, aligning with the Czech Gambling Act of 2016.
