The Croatian Tax Authority emphasizes that revenue from gambling is allocated to finance programs by organizations that promote sports development and combat drug abuse and all other forms of addiction.

While the state accumulates substantial revenue from taxes and fees from gambling, all segments of society suffer from the consequences of gambling addiction, particularly affecting healthcare and families dealing with the mitigation and treatment of these pervasive forms of addiction, reports Poslovni.hr

According to Tax Authority data, €190.5 million was deposited into the state budget from taxes and fees from gambling in 2021, €251.1 million in 2022, and a record-breaking €310.7 million last year, originating from “gambling machines”.

Organizers of gambling reported 1330 betting venues in December 2021 and 3608 self-service betting terminals, 1302 betting venues, and 3642 self-service terminals in December 2022, and 1294 betting venues and 3743 self-service terminals in December 2023.

Additionally, total payouts in gambling reported were €564 million in 2021, €681.3 million in 2022, and €882.9 million in 2023.

The Tax Authority underscores that gambling revenue is allocated to finance programs by organizations that promote sports development and combat drug abuse and all other forms of addiction.

This money finances social and humanitarian activities, supports people with disabilities, invests in the development of technical culture and culture in general, provides non-institutional education for children and youth, and supports the development of civil society organizations.

Therefore, looking solely at the amounts filling the state budget through betting channels, a layperson might conclude that the development of gambling should be further encouraged.

However, experts consider allowing all forms of gambling to proliferate a folly of modern society. In pursuit of quick profit, individuals develop severe addictions, jeopardizing not only mental health but also the stability of families, leading them to financial ruin. Scientific research has shown a close link between gambling addiction and an increase in criminal activities.

Economists also argue that this is the worst possible form of investment and budget replenishment, as the invested money does not create new value, and approximately the same amount is spent on repairing damages caused by the “cult of fast profit”.