In observance of a National Day of Mourning following the passing of Pope Francis, Slovakia’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (URHH) has announced a temporary suspension of gambling operations across the country.
On Saturday, April 26, all land-based gambling operators will be prohibited from conducting business between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, aligning with the funeral service for the late Pope.
According to an official statement from URHH, the ban affects:
- Casinos
- Betting shops
- Slot halls
- Other land-based gambling establishments
However, the order does not apply to online gaming platforms or numerical lottery operations, which are allowed to continue normal activities during the mourning period.
The URHH emphasized that the decision was made as a gesture of national respect, highlighting Slovakia’s cultural sensitivity towards significant religious and societal events.
Pope Francis, known for his humble beginnings as a trained chemist and former nightclub bouncer, rose to global prominence after being elected head of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.
Widely celebrated for his compassion and progressive views, Pope Francis remained a beloved figure both within and beyond the religious community.
Speculation surrounding his successor points to Italian Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin as a leading candidate, according to current prediction market trends.
Despite the temporary suspension on April 26, Slovakia’s gambling market has experienced significant expansion in recent years.
In 2024, major conglomerates such as Greentube and Pragmatic Play extended their content offerings within the Slovakian sector, reflecting the nation’s growing appetite for regulated gaming.
Additionally, Slovakia previously introduced innovative initiatives like the vaccination lottery during the 2021 public health campaign.
Slovakia’s decision to halt land-based gambling activities in honor of Pope Francis underscores the nation’s commitment to respecting important religious and cultural milestones.
As the crypto and online gambling sectors continue to expand globally, moments like these serve as a reminder of the balance between modern gaming innovation and traditional values.
At Crypto Dice News, we remain dedicated to bringing you the latest developments impacting the global crypto gambling industry and beyond.
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