Betting became legal in Croatia in 2014 when the national lottery used to be the only game in town. But things have changed. Now, the betting industry is closely regulated and well-covered.
This article is a complete manual to understand the bookmakers in Croatia and the payment methods you can use. Plus, we'll help you figure out how to pick the best online bookmaker in Croatia.
Discover a comprehensive guide to online sports betting in Croatia. On this page, you’ll find some handy guides to choosing the best betting sites in Croatia, ranging from the pros and cons of online betting legality in this country.
Explore the advantages of choosing international betting platforms, discover the most popular sports for betting in Croatia, get insights on depositing on Croatian betting sites, and much more information.
Regarding gambling, Croatia is one of the countries with limited access to gambling. Betting in Croatia dates back to 1904, during the communist era. The government imposed very strict gambling rules, and every form of betting was heavily regulated. Even citizens need to have a government-approved license before wagering on any bet.
Once upon a time, betting sites in Croatia faced strict rules—they could only operate in government-approved spots like kiosks. Any illegal outlets caught breaking the rules faced hefty fines or got the boot.
Fast-forward to today and gambling activities in Croatia are thriving. Casinos and online gambling sites have become magnets for dedicated locals and excited tourists. In 2003, Croatia shook things up by easing restrictions on all types of betting.
The fresh legislation drew in companies from places like England and Germany, convinced by the promise of greater profits on Croatian soil.
However, in 2009, an issue occurred in the form of a 20% VAT tax on the earnings of physical gambling sites, hitting smaller businesses hard. Moreover, online gambling sites gain more users due to the longtime restrictions imposed on casinos and the strict sanctions placed on them.
How is online betting regulated in Croatia?
Since 2014, Croatian authorities have been overseeing and regulating all sorts of gambling activities, from slot machines to casino games, lottery, and sports betting (excluding fantasy sports, which are not regulated). Notably, the lottery operates as a state-owned monopoly under Hrvatska Lutrija.
Securing a local license from the Ministry of Finance is a must for operators to engage in these activities. An interesting twist is that to operate an online casino, operators must also have a brick-and-mortar presence.
Moreover, running an online casino within legal bounds demands that operators register their offices and position servers within Croatian borders. This means foreign platforms lacking a local license can't offer services to punters (or process payments) from Croatia.
🌍 Country
Croatia
👌 Language
Croatian
💲 Currency
Euro (€)
⚽ Popular Sports
Handball, Water Polo, Football, Basketball, Tennis
⚖️ Is Betting Legal
In Croatia, both land-based and online gambling became legally permissible in 2014, thanks to the Parliament’s enactment of the ‘Zakon o igrama na sreću’ law.
🏢 Regulator
Ministry of Finance
🧾 Gambling Taxes
From 10% to 30% tax on winnings and 45% gaming tax on Bookmaker gross gambling revenue
💳 Most Popular Payment Methods
Bank Transfer, Bitcoin, Visa, Mastercard, Bank Transfer
Top 5 Best Online Betting Sites in Croatia
To ensure that we give you credible bookies, we carefully reviewed each of the top sports betting sites in Croatia. Our main focus during the selection process was the security and quality service provided by these bookies.
#1 22Bet
Established in 2017, 22Bet has proven to be a secure online platform for bettors. With over 50 languages, it has become the punter's favorite hub for a top-notch betting experience. Its effective mobile-friendly features and live-streaming ensure everyone can easily access its competitive odds and bonuses.
To persuade users, a first-time deposit bonus of 122 EUR is given to Croatian punters. However, to cash it out, you need to wager it five times (5x the bonus amount) on accumulator bets. These bets must include at least three selections with odds of 1.40 or higher each, which is quite a hurdle for many bettors.
Bonus
Requirements
Minimum Deposit
Method of Deposit
Processing Time
€122 first deposit bonus
You must turn it over five times before you can withdraw.
€1
Cryptocurrency, eWallets, credits/debit cards, and bank transfers.
Instant
Pluses
Enjoy in-game statistics for the LIVE market, covering corners, cards, shots, and even weather conditions.
Esports action with LIVE VIDEO streams accessible through Android and iOS apps.
Five pre-prepared accumulator bet slips that are updated daily.
You can start betting with a minimum of 1.50 HRK
Prompt customer support with live chat responses in under 5 minutes.
Minuses
Desktop users might find the Annoying Day Acca bar a bit bothersome.
Locating the support button on the Android app can be a bit challenging.
Compared to other betting sites in Croatia, Bet365 offers traditional platforms, including a mobile app for Android and iOS devices. All versions maintain the original color theme and provide a user-friendly interface.
These mobile versions reflect the functionality of the desktop version, allowing users to easily switch between different matches. Betting on sports in Croatia through Bet365 is quite easy, requiring just a few clicks, and the transition between live betting and pre-match is seamless.
Bonus
Requirements
Minimum Deposit
Method of Deposit
Processing Time
Up to €100 in bet credits.
You must bet with the exact value of your deposit.
€5
Bank Wire, eWallets, debit/credit card, and GooglePay.
Within 24 hours.
Pluses
There is a wide market to choose from.
They offer live-streaming of some important matches.
Highly responsive platform.
You can place your booked games on auto in-play cash-out.
Well-detailed in-play view.
Minuses
The odds are quite low.
Desktop platform users can find it challenging.
#3 1Bet
For new bettors who are looking forward to a generous welcome bonus and enticing promotional offers, then 1bet is a good choice. Immediately after an initial deposit of €10 or more, new customers can enjoy a 100% sportsbook match bonus, of up to €100.
Your bonus funds become available immediately after the deposit is processed. The comparatively low 12x wagering requirement sets this offer apart, to be fulfilled within 21 days. For full details, check out the terms and conditions of this bonus.
Bonus
Requirements
Minimum Deposit
Method of Deposit
Processing Time
100% bonus up to €100
You must place a bet with the bonus within 21 days.
€1
Cryptocurrency, eWallets, credits/debit cards, and bank transfers.
Currently, Pribet offers four sports bonuses, providing a modest selection for punters. The most enticing offer is the welcome bonus, allowing you to receive up to €100 after your initial deposit.
The rollover requirement is relatively high, necessitating a 16x turnover of the total amount. In addition to the welcome bonus, three other enticing offers are available for you to benefit from.
Bonus
Requirements
Minimum Deposit
Method of Deposit
Processing Time
100% bonus up to €100
You must turn over the bonus winning 16 times.
€10
Cryptocurrency, eWallets, and credit/debit cards.
Up to 24 hours.
Pluses
You can stream live matches.
eSports betting is available.
They also have a bet-building feature.
You can play virtual games.
Minuses
Unfortunately, the cash-out feature is not available at the moment.
#5 IviBet
IVIBET welcomes you with an enticing sports bonus – grab up to €150 on your initial deposit. The bonus lands in your account immediately after you deposit, but remember, the minimum bet amount is €10. Also, there are some wagering requirements to fulfill.
Bonus
Bonus Requirements
Minimum Deposit
Deposit Method
Bonus Processing Time
100% Welcome Bonus up to €150
7 days validity. 5x wagering requirement on accumulator bets (3+ legs) with odds of 2.0 or higher.
€10
Credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfer, and cryptocurrencies
Instant
Pluses
There's a live-streaming feature.
Browse through the site effortlessly with a user-friendly interface.
What did we take into account when picking the best bookmaker in Croatia?
We thoroughly review the best sports betting sites in Croatia, we focused on their security and user-friendliness throughout our selection process.
We rate these bookmakers based on their credibility and how they deliver gambling services to Croatians. Another aspect we also considered is their legality, since engaging in online betting is very strict in Croatia.
These bookmakers are highly regarded among Croatian gamblers, staying current with safety measures and holding licenses in compliance with national requirements. Below, we've outlined the best online betting sites in Croatia, comparing their respective strengths.
How to Bet Online in Croatia?
Before wagering on any sport online you need to know how to bet online, especially if you are a new punter or you don't know how things work. You don't need to worry about betting online in Croatia! We've compiled step-by-step instructions to make you bet like a pro.
Betting online in Croatia involves taking several steps. Here's a simple guide to help you get started:
Choose any Bookmaker of your choice
step 1
Select a licensed and secure online bookmaker. Refer to the review we compiled below to ensure reliability.
Create an Account
step 2
Visit the chosen bookmaker's website and sign up by providing the required information. This typically includes personal details and a valid email address.
Verify Your Identity
step 3
For solid security purposes, you may come across a bookmaker that will request identity verification. Follow the provided instructions and submit the necessary documents to complete this process.
Deposit Funds into your Newly Created Account
step 4
After signing up, you can now deposit funds into your betting account. Most bookmakers offer various payment options, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets (like PayPal, Neteller, etc), and bank transfers.
Play with the Betting Markets
step 5
Browse through the available sports and betting markets. Choose the sport or event you're interested in and select your preferred bet type.
Place Your Bets
step 6
Once you've made selections of your choice, add them to your betting slip. Enter the amount you wish to stake and confirm your bet.
Popular Sport for Betting in Croatia
Betting is regarded as a pastime game in Croatia. Our list of online bookmakers in Croatia offers opportunities to bet on major sporting events, both national and local games, as well as unique events like the Eurovision Song Contest, elections, and predicting Oscar winners.
Now, let's discover the popular sports to bet on in Croatia:
Football
In Croatia, just like in many parts of the world, football betting is very popular. The top online betting platforms in Croatia provide customers with the convenience of wagering on local, continental, and international tournaments.
Additionally, some sites offer live football games, allowing customers to place bets during a match.
Handball
Handball is undoubtedly one of the leading choices for betting online in Croatia, boasting 27 million registered players across Europe. This high-scoring sport gains attention when clubs from different countries compete for the EHF trophy.
Prominent Croatian bookmakers offer handball betting on both national leagues and international games.
Basketball
The most popular game among Croatia punters is basketball. Even though basketball betting is more focused on US markets, European countries' basketball games also get massive coverage.
Without much effort, you can wager on any basketball market of your choice using one of the betting platforms we listed above. From the match result, point spread, game lines, and first to reach 20 points.
eSport
Esports betting, which is rapidly gaining popularity, involves wagering on the results of online video gaming events. Over 1 billion people are betting on these games, making it a huge market around the world. The most preferred eSports game is Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Many world-class bookmakers are trooping into the Croatia online betting industry. Despite this, the Croatian government has imposed strict rules and regulations on online betting in the country.
While there are no exclusively new additions to the Croatian sports betting scene, here are a couple of bookmakers that have recently extended their services to the Croatian audience.
🌟 22Bet: Established in 2017, 22Bet has become an international betting giant. This betting platform is now every punter's favorite since it provides numerous features they want.
🚀 Bet365: Based on our observations, if you're interested in betting on Croatian football or other sports, Bet365 odds are slightly above average odds you will find in the betting market.
⚽ 1Bet: 1Bet exhibits several indicators of being a legitimate and credible site. Firstly, it holds a license and operates under the regulation of Curacao. It's undeniable that 1Bet bookmaker provides punters with an abundance of action, fulfilling more than they could ever desire.
📱 PriBet: Although Pribet sports betting is a newcomer, it has captured the attention of punters who are attracted by its safety and reliability.
⏱ IviBet: Entered the industry in 2022, Ivibet has grown to the extent of having different types of payment methods. While the options may differ in different countries you're betting from, it doesn't change the fact that all your transactions with IVIBET are highly secure.
How Popular is Mobile Betting in Croatia?
Online betting in Croatia has seen substantial growth recently, caused by the rising adoption of internet-based betting. As technology advances and high-speed internet becomes widely accessible, many Croatians embrace online gambling for entertainment.
The Online Gambling market in Croatia is witnessing steady growth, recording a user penetration rate of 10.0% in 2023. This surge in popularity can be attributed to the blend of more lenient regulations and an increasing interest in online gaming activities.
Best Sport Betting Apps in Croatia
Most betting applications in Croatia undoubtedly deliver quality, making the list below of the best betting apps. Alongside their desktop counterparts, each application on this list is worth your time. Here, we provide details on the top three betting apps in Croatia:
#1 Mozart
Mozzart has one of the best betting apps in Croatia, consistently delivering top-notch service to its users over the years. The possession of a license from the regulatory body of the State of Malta (MGA) is a sign of their seriousness. What sets them apart is the extensive pre-game selection, offering different types of sports and leagues for punters.
Pluses
Very high withdrawal limit
High-quality mobile app
Huge welcome bonus for new users
There's a wide betting markets
Minuses
The live betting feature is nothing to write home about
They don't offer Asian handicap
#2 Bet365
Like every other bookie in Croatia, Bet365 offers mobile betting on Android and IOS apps. All versions stick to the original theme, with excellent user interface design.
In terms of performance, the mobile version is also similar to the desktop version, with a feature to change different matches effortlessly.
22Bets mobile app works very fast and safely, thanks to the Croatian Gambling Board requirements. When it comes to functionality, the mobile apps share some similarities with the desktop version in features like live video streaming and in-game notifications.
Pluses
They provide in-game stats
You stream ESports live videos
Rated as one of the Top 5 Bookies with best markets
65 withdrawal methods
Minuses
You may find it hard to locate the support button
The desktop version is annoying
How to Deposit at Croatian Betting Sites?
All betting brands accept many payment methods, and few of them have terms and conditions in place. Many people preferred an easy way to deposit without hassle, so the most used payment method worldwide is now accepted in Croatia. Top betting agencies offer payment options like cryptocurrencies, bank transfers, eWallets, debit/credit cards, and many more.
However, every payment has its own advantages and limitations which we will discuss in this section. In the table below, we’ve listed people’s favorite payment methods on online betting sites in Croatia.
Credit and Debit Cards
E-Wallets
Online Banking
Cryptocurrencies
Payment Options
Deposit Time
Withdrawal Time
Deposit Limits (€)
Withdrawal Limits (€)
Debit/Credit cards
Up to 2 hours
Up to 2 hours
10 – 10000
10 – 10000
Bank Transfers
Up to 48 hours
Up to 48 hours
10 – 20000
10 – 20000
E-Wallets
Up to 2 hours
Up to 2 hours
10 – 5000
10 – 5000
Cryptocurrencies
10 to 30 minutes
10 to 30 minutes
10 – 10000
10 – 10000
The Future of Online Betting in Croatia
In Croatia, having a land-based office is a must before operating an online betting site within the country. However, international operators are not prohibited. Croatian players can access numerous online sportsbooks holding EU licenses.
Over the past years, Croatia has witnessed significant revenue growth from the gambling industry. Looking ahead, we anticipate more options emerging in the country's gambling scene, with the potential for an increase in casino resorts as online gambling continues to expand.
Responsible Play in Sport Betting in Croatia
Sports betting is not all about the bed of roses, there's no winning assurance. So, mind how you stake on any game with your hard-earned money. It's all about predicting the outcome of games sometimes you may be unlucky and other times luck will be on your side.
We encourage players to set limits on their bets and make sure they play within affordable means. You should view betting as entertainment instead of a guaranteed source of income.
Betting in Croatia: Conclusion
After reviewing the best online betting sites in Croatia, there is no stone left unturned. From top-notch options like 22Bet, Bet365, 1Bet, PriBet, and IviBet, online betting in Croatia just gets easier. You can weigh their pros and cons to choose your favorite option.
However, even though they are ranked in order, there is nothing wrong in trying out one of these sites. After comparing them to each other, you can choose the bookmakers that offer the best service for your favorite sport.
1bet: Top notch customer support services. ⏱️
Bet365: Impressive website architecture and mobile compatibility features. 🌟
22Bet: Impressive sports betting options and features. ⚽
IviBet: Top ranked mobile app for Croatian punters. 📱
PriBet: Fast and secure payouts. 🚀
FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions
The go-to options right now are PayPal and VISA, ensuring smooth transactions. Croatian betting sites also welcome payments through MasterCard and Bank Transfers.
Yes, gambling is legal and open to all interested Croatians. Any forms of gambling that are approved are legal in Croatia. You can stake in any casino and sports games of your choice.
No, Croatians face no restrictions from sportsbooks, due to the legal status of sports betting in the country. Thereby, punters can freely place bets on any local sportsbooks without any barrier.
In Croatia, punters have the option to bet using Bitcoin, and there's also the flexibility to use various other cryptocurrencies.
Currently, the Match Winner is the favorite choice among the betting markets. Outrights follow, thanks to its promise of substantial odds and longer-term predictions.
Like many aspiring writers, Jarin focuses on bringing life to the text for her readers. She is an avid sports lover, growing up in a family obsessed with bookies. She is an expert in the iGaming niche and has secondary obsessions with Gardening and cooking.
With more than 10 years of experience in online marketing, and special focus on the gambling affiliation sector over 5 years, Martin Lasmanis is a true expert in his niche. Today, Martin's vision is to build the largest lead generator company in the world. Fortunately, we have the perfect team to make his dream come true!
Arturs Korolkovs
Head of Affiliates
Marketing specialist with 3 years of experience in affiliate and social media marketing in the iGaming industry. His deep understanding of the industry and a proven track record of driving growth make him an important "player" on the team.
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