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Reference last reviewed 27 October 2026

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Europe

Ministry of Finance, State Supervision of Gambling

The Czech ministry that licenses online gambling and operates a central exclusion register.

Short name MF ČRJurisdiction CzechiaSupervising since 2017Last reviewed 27 October 2026

What this authority does

Czechia replaced an older lottery law with the Gambling Act 186/2016, which opened online licensing to operators established anywhere in the European Economic Area from 2017. Licences are granted per game type, and operators must connect to the ministry's information system for reporting.

Two features define the Czech regime. The register of excluded persons is mandatory and broad: in addition to self-exclusion, people receiving certain social benefits, in insolvency proceedings or subject to particular court measures are entered automatically, and operators must check the register before allowing play. Blocking of unlicensed sites and of payments to them is also written into the Act.

Land-based gambling is subject to municipal control, and a number of Czech municipalities have used that power to prohibit venues entirely, which has pushed a larger share of play online than in comparable markets.

Licences it issues

  • Basic licence per game type
  • Technical game permits

What supervision concentrates on

  • Licensing of operators
  • The register of excluded persons
  • Blocking of unlicensed sites and payments
  • Municipal powers over land-based venues

Markets on file under this authority

MarketOnline casinoSports bettingLicensing model
CzechiaLicensedLicensedOpen licensing per game type

Questions about the MF ČR

What does the MF ČR license?

The Czech ministry that licenses online gambling and operates a central exclusion register. It issues: Basic licence per game type; Technical game permits.

What is the legal basis for the MF ČR?

Gambling Act 186/2016. The authority has supervised online gambling since 2017 and is based in Prague.

Which markets does the MF ČR cover?

On this site the MF ČR is recorded as the authority for Czechia.

What does MF ČR supervision concentrate on?

Licensing of operators; The register of excluded persons; Blocking of unlicensed sites and payments; Municipal powers over land-based venues.

Other authorities in Europe

UKGC · Great Britain

Gambling Commission

The licensing body for all gambling offered to customers in Great Britain, whether the operator is based there or not.