The gambling industry in Croatia has been growing at a spectacular pace during the past years. When it comes to sports betting, horse racing is one of the top choices, alongside soccer, volleyball, basketball, etc.
Read on to learn about betting on horse racing in Croatia and how you can place bets on the various horse racing events in Croatia.
Horse racing in Croatia
Horse racing and equestrian sports have been a vital part of the identity of Croatia and its regions. Since 1715, the country has been home to the Sinjska Alka, which commemorates the victory of Croatian and Venetian soldiers against the Turks on August 14, 1715.
The competition comprises 11 to 17 participants called Alkars that gallop across the 160m long racecourse in under 12 seconds while attempting to hit the centre of a small ring made of iron called the Alka.
In addition to the traditional Sinjska Alka, Croatia is home to a variety of racing events, including long-distance riding races, harness races, dressage riding, and show jumping.
The June Tournament, organised by the Zagreb Equestrian Association, is the oldest equine competition in the Republic of Croatia and is recognised worldwide. More than 180 pairs from Croatia and abroad participate in 15 matches during the three-day event.
Horse race enthusiasts and keen bettors flock to these events to watch their favourite horses in action and to cash in on the betting opportunities. Given the wide number of races taking place in the country, it comes as no surprise that a substantial amount of money is bet on these events. If you want to be a part of the betting action in horse racing in Croatia, here is a brief guide to lead you in the right direction.
Betting on horse racing in Croatia
Betting is a popular activity in Croatia as many consider it a good way to pass the time. Before 1991, only government-sanctioned casinos, betting shops, or booths could offer gambling to the locals. In 2009, the Games of Chance Act was introduced, which allowed individuals to bet where the profit or loss was based on chance only, which also led to an increase in taxes on the profits for operators.
In 2010, the government introduced the Ordinance on Interactive Online Casino, whereby online betting was regulated in the country to separate sites’ funds from deposits. As Croatia became a member of the EU in 2013, many international bettors entered the market, and now Croatians have access to some of the best betting sites. When it comes to horse racing, the Croatians have access to a wide range of betting markets and better odds.
The licensing and regulation of online sites, casinos, and such gambling facilities in Croatia are administered by the Ministry of Finance. As per the law, the betting site operators must have an office in Croatia, whether local or foreign.
How to bet online on horse racing in Croatia
Whether you bet in a physical betting facility or an online site, ensure that the betting operator possesses a valid betting license. If betting online, do check the reviews for the operators regarding transparency and fairness of the game, SSL encryption for your safety, and superior odds. Some sites also offer two-factor authentication as an added security measure.
The registration process for online betting sites is quite simple. You simply need to enter your details, including your name, address, and preferred payment method, along with the requisite information for processing payments.
Some sites require identity verification at the time of the first withdrawal. The purpose is to prevent money laundering and facilitate easy and quick money deposits.
What are the payment methods for online horse race betting in Croatia?
Individuals have a number of options when it comes to payment options for online horse race betting in Croatia. You can go the simple route and use your debit or credit card. Alternatively, you can use Paypal, Neteller, Sofort, Skrill, or Bitcoin, to name a few.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Gambling Winnings in Croatia?
If you place bets on a foreign online betting site, there is no tax on your winnings in Croatia. However, per law, your winnings will be subject to taxation when betting on local sites. The percentage of tax varies with the size of the win.
For instance, if you win HRK 10,000 or less, a tax rate of 10% is applicable. However, if the winnings are between HRK 10,000 and 30,000, the tax percentage is 15%. Similarly, winnings exceeding HRK 30,000 to HRK 500,000 are subjected to a tax rate of 20%.
What are the best Croatia betting sites?
Certainly!
Croatia, with its rich sporting culture, has seen a surge in online betting platforms catering to its enthusiastic punters. When identifying the best betting sites in Croatia, several platforms consistently receive high praise for their offerings, user experience, and security measures.
Some of the best Croatia betting sites include Campobet, known for being a top overall bookmaker, and Librabet, which is highly regarded for its online casino. Additionally, GG.bet stands out as a leading eSports betting website in the region.
As the betting landscape evolves, betting sites Croatia offers are continuously enhancing their services to provide punters with the best betting experience.