Slovak Regulator Forms Research Partnership to Address Digital Gambling Risks to Gen Z and Alpha
TL;DR — URHH launched its Safer Digital Future mandate via a memorandum with FMK UCM to research risks to Gen Z (14-29) and Alpha (1-13) from loot boxes, skin betting and similar mechanics. The partnership addresses blurring gaming-gambling boundaries and will support prevention programs. It coincides with ongoing review of the 2019 Gambling Act after a presidential veto.
SCCG Take — This evidence-focused coalition equips regulators to address gaming-gambling convergence with specific data, likely shaping stricter youth safeguards that operators must incorporate into product design.
Slovakia’s gambling regulator has launched a research partnership to gather evidence on protecting younger audiences from harms linked to digital products.
The Slovak Gambling Regulatory Authority (URHH) established its “Safer Digital Future” mandate through a memorandum of cooperation with the Department of Digital Games at the Faculty of Mass Media Communication of the University of St Cyril and Methodius in Trnava (FMK UCM). The work targets risks from emerging digital behaviours, especially the convergence of video gaming and gambling through loot boxes, skin betting and randomised reward systems.
URHH warned that traditional boundaries between gaming and gambling are becoming harder to define. Modern monetisation models, advanced game design and social media can expose young people to chance-based mechanics that resemble conventional gambling products.
Evidence for Gen Z and Alpha
The regulator is concerned that repeated exposure could normalise risk-taking and shape positive attitudes toward gambling for Gen-Z (14-29 year olds) and Alpha (1-13 year olds).
Libuša Baranová, Director General of URHH, said regulators must develop a deeper understanding of how younger generations interact with digital products. “For Generations Z and Alpha, technology is not just a tool, but a natural environment in which they shape their identity, social relationships and worldview,” Baranová explained. “They perceive the digital and real world as one interconnected whole. Therefore, if we want to effectively protect the young generation from the risks of the digital age, we must be one step ahead. We need to know in detail the specifics of the gaming industry, video game design and psychological mechanisms that affect young people.”
Juliána Mináriková, Acting Dean of FMK UCM, described digital games as one of the most influential environments shaping the attitudes and behaviour of younger generations. She said: “It is important to understand their mechanics not only from the perspective of design and player experience, but also from the perspective of their possible risks.” The partnership will support knowledge exchange, monitoring of gaming developments, risk evaluation and evidence-led prevention programmes.
President Still Considering Gambling Review
The National Council of Slovakia continues to consider whether to undertake a broader review of the Gambling Act of 2019, where online casino gaming has emerged as the largest vertical. Parliament previously considered amendments submitted by Sports and Tourism Minister Rudolf Huliak that proposed tightening market controls and restrictions on gambling licences. President Peter Pellegrini vetoed those amendments but indicated support for a more comprehensive reform programme focused on strengthening consumer protections.
As first reported by SBC News, URHH’s emphasis on evidence-led regulation through this academic partnership will help inform future decisions on high-risk games, digital gambling mechanics and protection of younger consumers.
Reporting: SBC News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
First European regulator building research infrastructure specifically to separate gaming mechanics from gambling exposure for minors.
We track every emerging regulatory framework because partnerships like this become the blueprint for product compliance across the EU. Slovakia is building the evidence base that will define what operators can and cannot deploy for younger-adjacent audiences — long before enforcement hits. SCCG's network spans gaming, igaming and regulators; we see the convergence coming.
- URHH partners with university to research loot boxes, skin betting exposure to Gen Z and Alpha
- Aims to address blurred gaming-gambling boundaries and inform prevention programs
- Coincides with ongoing review of Slovakia's 2019 Gambling Act after presidential veto
SCCG angle: SCCG works with both gaming studios and licensed operators navigating this exact convergence. When research like this starts shaping product rules, we connect clients to the compliance architects, youth protection specialists and policy advisors who can redesign mechanics before the regulations land — not after.
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