Online gambling could be legalized in Czech Republic

5 January 2009

CZECH REPUBLIC -- As reported by iGamingBusiness: "The five biggest bookmakers in the Czech Republic could be about to receive permits from the Finance Ministry to offer online gambling following years of lobbying and promises to prevent minors from betting on their sites.

"According to a report from Radio Praha, one of the firms thought to be in contention for a license is Fortuna Group, which operates land-based sportsbetting in the Czech Republic alongside lotteries, games and telephone betting services. It is also active in Poland, Croatia and Slovakia and sponsors the giant Sparta Prague football team.

"'We are sad and bitter that foreign Internet betting companies are allowed to operate in the Czech Republic without any control,' Tomas Bahnik from Fortuna Group told Radio Praha just before Christmas.

"'There is no legal restriction. So, basically they operate in this country illegally. So we want to have the same opportunities as foreign companies.'

"Bahnik stated that his firm is losing around several hundred million Euros a year because it is not allowed to offer its services online but may be able to go live with an Internet service onMonday.

"'Internet betting is officially allowed from January 5, so I hope we will be prepared and ready to start right from this date,' said Bahnik..."

Related Links

Fortuna Game Gaming Vendor Information

Fortuna Gaming BV Gaming Vendor Information

Czech Gambling

Online gambling could be legalized in Czech Republic is republished from Online.CasinoCity.com

Featured Vendors


Slot-Tickets Worldwide The original OEM Internationally approved source for Ticket Out/Ticket In TOTI slot machine tickets	Comp Trading Providing gifts and premiums in all categories and price ranges - all-in-one service provider.

Database Dynamics Increase your player base and player visits with our Sports and Reality Based Kiosk games	Gaming Tickets, Inc. 35 years in the gaming industry - premium quality slot tickets, lottery tickets on time under budget

Service Tracking Systems, Inc. Our Valet Parking and Belldesk technologies reduce claims, increase performance and elevate service.	Franklin International Gaming Corp. Premiere importer and exporter of new, used and refurbished slot machines & casino equipment

RF Games CCL, LLC Remanufactured casino and bingo equipment - Mexico, Central & South America	Regulatory Management Counselors, P.C. Over 35 years of experience serving the legal and regulatory needs of casino industry clients

Casino City Press A leading publisher and distributor of casino and gaming business data and market research reports.	Delphin Trading Corp. Developer of the handheld Texas Hold’em Pre-Flop Odds Calculator and other strategy tools.