Slovakia Prohibits Gambling on Day of Pope Francis' Mourning Observance
Pope Francis's Farewell: A Day of Mourning in Slovakia
Get ready, Slovakia! The government has announced a national day of mourning for Pope Francis' funeral on 26th April, from 8am to 6pm. And here's a twist - all gambling activities will be off-limits during this solemn period.
The Slovakian Gambling Regulatory Authority (URHH) has made it clear to operators that they cannot provide gambling services during this time. But fear not, online games and the national lottery, run by state-owned Tipos in alliance with foreign operators, are exempt from this ban. Operators can even publish gambling results during the day of mourning, making sure you don't miss out on the latest odds.
A Poignant Farewell
Pope Francis, at 88, took his final breath on 21st April. His eternal rest can be found at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome's Esquilino neighbourhood on 26th April. Mourners from far and wide have been streaming into St Peter's Square in Rome to pay their respects, with world leaders expected to attend the funeral.
The election process for the new pope must commence 20 days following his passing. Cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to form a conclave and elect the successor of the Catholic Church's current head. While gambling markets have been buzzing with wagers on who the next pope will be, including major bookmakers like Paddy Power and William Hill, let's keep the seriousness of this occasion in mind.
The Gambling Tradition: A Long and Fascinating History
The Pope's choice has been the subject of gambling since the 16th century, when nobles and international gamblers would wager on conclave outcomes. Often, inside information influenced these bets, leading 1549 banking houses to require candidates to "beat the spread" (win by a margin) for payouts. Pope Gregory XIV attempted to put a stop to this in 1591 by threatening excommunication, but the practice persisted underground. Eventually, Pope Benedict XV lifted the ban in 1918 as part of broader Church reforms.
In modern times, digital platforms have ignited global interest in betting on papal elections. Today's betting enthusiasts analyze cardinals’ ages, health, and geopolitical factors to predict outcomes. The scene is set for a blend of historical intrigue and data-driven forecasting, though no major regulatory bans have been reported recently.
Gambling on the Rise in Slovakia
URHH's 2025 annual report indicates a decline in revenue from land-based gaming. On the flip side, online gambling revenue in Slovakia skyrocketed 30% to almost €476 million in 2024. Last year, licensed gambling in Slovakia reached a total player spend of €24.2 billion, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. The total gambling revenue for the region across all verticals came in at €1.45 billion, a growth of 9.6% from 2023.
Following the national day of mourning for Pope Francis on 26th April, Slovakian operators must abstain from offering casino-and-gambling services, as confirmed by the Slovakian Gambling Regulatory Authority (URHH). However, online games and the national lottery are exempt from this ban, and operators can still publish gambling results during the day of mourning. Despite the long and fascinating history of gambling on papal elections dating back to the 16th century, it is essential to maintain respect for this solemn occasion.
