Players turn to international betting sites in Slovenia since there is currently only one licensed operator in the country (E-stave). The government attempted to regulate the market with the 1995 Gambling Act, but the online gambling aspect was entirely omitted.
Despite the restrictions, betting remains a thriving industry in the country. In 2024, total online gambling revenue reached approximately €186 million, with the majority of this revenue coming from international operators in the country.
On this page, we will closely evaluate the country's gambling framework and discuss all the aspects of choosing the correct site, including betting product, localisation, looser restrictions, payments, and tools. But first, here is a list of the best betting sites in Slovenia.
Sports Betting in Slovenia - 5 Things to Know
- 1 The legal gambling age in Slovenia is 18.
- 2 The only operator with a state license is E-stave.
- 3 Any attempts to regulate the online betting and gambling market have failed.
- 4 Slovenian players can bet on any international bookmaker without the fear of prosecution.
- 5 Bettors do not pay taxes on their online gambling activities with foreign operators.
Full List of Betting Sites in Slovenia
How to Find the Best Slovenian Betting Sites
You will find many operators that offer their services to locals, but they are not all the same. To make sure you make the most out of your wagers, you must ensure that your bookie ranks highly in the betting offering, the available features, the payment options, and the level of localisation.
Sports & Markets: The number one criterion for evaluating all betting sites in Slovenia is the selection of sports and markets. You need bookmakers that offer a wide range of markets, coupled with high odds, on all the sports you are looking to bet on.
Live Betting: Most bettors watch sporting events and place bets even after they are underway. Make sure you register on sites that offer competitive payouts and an array of selections live.
Features: Lately, players use tools like Live Streaming, Bet Builder, Request a Bet, and Cash Out to their advantage. Sites that allow you to use them are preferable since you can create and follow more strategies that can bring higher profits.
Payments: Most players in the country perform online transactions via debit cards and bank transfers. When it comes to sports betting in Slovenia, you should pick operators that allow payments through e-wallets or cryptocurrencies. These methods let you keep your activity hidden.
Localisation: Performing transactions in your local currency, getting in touch with the CS, and navigating a website in your native language are critical. While all online bookmakers allow payments in Euros, the list of sites that offer the Slovenian language is limited.
What You Need to Know About Sports Betting in Slovenia
Active Players | Legal Age | Local Currency | Player Protection |
700,000+ | 18 | Euro (€) | - |
The 1995 Slovenian Gambling Act was the first law that attempted to govern gambling in the country. It created a state of monopoly where Sportna Loterija (E-stave) is the sole operator in the procession of classic games licenses. To date, the current legal situation remains the same.
Is Online Betting in Slovenia Legal?
The problem is that the 1995 Act did not address online betting. The market is still unregulated, and there are no foreign bookies holding a legal license. With literally no laws in place, the government is not enforcing ISP-blocking on foreign bookies. This means free access to international betting sites in Slovenia, without risking prosecution.
What Are the Tax Implications in Slovenia?
Players who bet on the licensed E-Stave must pay a 15% tax on winnings of €300 or higher. This means that for every €1,000 you win, €150 will go to the government. If you are playing on offshore Slovenian betting sites, on the other hand, you avoid the gambling tax altogether. Make sure you use payments that can keep your activity under wraps to avoid detection from the local authorities.
International vs. Local Sports Betting Sites in Slovenia
It becomes apparent that, compared to the state-owned operator, Sportna Loterija (E-stave), international bookmakers are light years ahead. For instance, the 15 sports that are being offered at E-stave are nowhere near the 35+ different sports available at most operators.
The differences in terms of odds, features, and bonuses are also very notable. However, the biggest upside of offshore betting sites in Slovenia is that they can help you avoid the steep gambling tax imposed by the government.
Can You Use Betting Apps in Slovenia?
Yes. For example, you can visit 22bet, download the native app, and install it on your phone, assuming it is compatible with the operating system. Note, however, that few bookmakers that operate in the country have already developed an app. For that reason, your best bet is to place your wagers through the mobile website.
What Are the Most Popular Sports for Betting in Slovenia
Football and basketball are by far the most popular sports in the country, and it is easy to see why. The variety of options among online betting sites in Slovenia is excellent. A lot of users, however, are also avid fans of other sports, namely cycling and winter events.
Football Betting in Slovenia
Thanks to the massive following in the country, football betting in Slovenia is the most popular form of sports wagering. According to the Slovenian Gaming Authority, football accounts for over 50% of all activity. The Slovenian PrvaLiga is the most important domestic league, involving clubs like NK Maribor and Olimpija Ljubljana. The problem, though, is that since there are no licensed online bookmakers in the country, it is overlooked by most operators. This is why bettors find more chances on international events like the top European leagues, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup.
Basketball Betting in Slovenia
Basketball holds a special place in Slovenian sports culture and is only second to football. The success of Slovenian players like Luka Dončić in the NBA and the national team’s gold at EuroBasket 2017 has driven local enthusiasm and betting activity. Many players bet on the domestic league games. However, Slovenian betting sites offer a wider range of markets for the Euroleague and the NBA. All of them cover these matches thoroughly, even after they start. You can find, among others, odds on Quarter Handicaps, Totals for the Rest of the Match, and Player Specials.
Cycling Betting in Slovenia
Due to the international success of homegrown talents like Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič, cycling betting has seen a surge in popularity. Both athletes have won major titles, including multiple stages and overall victories in the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. Players have started placing wagers on markets like race winners, head-to-head matchups and even specific mountain climbs. Although not as mainstream as football or basketball, cycling appeals to a dedicated audience in the country.
Winter Sports Betting in Slovenia
Winter sports are highly popular in Slovenia, especially during the colder months when multiple international competitions take place. Slovenian athletes such as Tina Maze and Anže Lanišek have brought global attention to the nation’s prowess. Ski jumping, alpine skiing, and biathlon are among the sports with the highest betting volume. For example, ski jumping World Cup events see sharp increases in bets, particularly when held in Planica—one of Slovenia’s most iconic venues. The best betting sites in Slovenia offer odds on race winners, podium finishes, and even time differentials.
How To Bet Online in Slovenia - Step By Step
Now that we have thoroughly examined the gambling reality in the country, it is time to pick a site and start placing your wagers. If you have not done this before, there is no need to worry. Simply follow the steps below, and you will be good to go:
- 1 Choose an online bookmaker: Browse our list of operators to find the bookie that best suits your needs. Make sure to read every review carefully to make sure you pick the site that offers the highest odds on all the sports and markets you are interested in.
- 2 Create a new account: Once you pick the bookmaker, press the dedicated button that will transfer you to the official website. Find the Register button that will generate a pop-up screen where you must input all your personal info. Fill in all boxes with the correct information and agree with the terms and conditions to create your new account.
- 3 Deposit money: After creating a new account and completing the KYC procedure, go to the cashier and top up your account for the first time. You need to be aware of two things. First, choose a method that will not alert the local authorities. Secondly, make sure you deposit enough to claim the available welcome bonus.
- 4 Place your bets: With money in your balance, browse the website to find the sport and market you are looking for. Add as many selections as you desire in your bet slip, enter a stake amount, and confirm it. You will be paid automatically once it has been settled, assuming all your picks came through.
Which Payments Do Slovenian Bettors Prefer?
Since the online gambling market has not yet been regulated in the country, you must be careful with the types of transactions. This is particularly true when you sign up with offshore bookmakers.
⏩ Debit Cards: VISA and Mastercard payments rank number one in the country. You can use them in every online bookie that offers its services to Slovenian players. We recommend avoiding them, however, since you will alert the local authorities about your activities.
⏩ Bank Wires: Online banking methods, like NLB Klik, are also on the rise and used for a variety of transactions. They come, though, with the same risks as debit cards, so it is best you avoid them.
⏩ E-wallets: Unlike cards or bank wires, e-wallets offer a much-needed level of anonymity. By funding your betting account through Skrill or Neteller, among others, you can ensure a safe and undetected environment.
⏩ Cryptocurrencies: Crypto transactions are ideal for those who prefer offshore Slovenian betting sites. Bookies like Stake and Sportsbet provide an extensive range of payment options, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin.
Sports Betting in Slovenia: What Does the Future Hold
The online gambling market remains a grey area that is not yet regulated, even after all the attempts local officials have put forward to liberalise online betting. Remember that in 2018, the new gambling bill was turned down.
It appears that the current monopoly is holding on strongly, despite the international Slovenian betting sites that occupy the majority of the population. Only one licensed bookmaker will continue to operate in the country for the foreseeable future, while the rest will operate in a grey manner.
What are the Gambling Regulations in the Neighbouring Countries
⏩ Croatia: This top tourist destination offers legal and regulated activities for all bettors. With land-based and online licensed operators, the Croatia betting sites are also open for international bookmakers without restrictions.
⏩ Switzerland has a fully regulated market and a variety of luxurious casinos and gambling operators licensed by federal laws. Though some online bookmakers are compliant with local laws, sports betting in Switzerland is also open for international brands, and there has been no prosecution for players who opt for them.
⏩ Italy is another EU country that has been applying strict regulations both land-based and online. Although many companies have exited the market, Italian bookmakers still offer a wide range of options for locals, featuring high odds and competitive promotions.
Yes. However, there is only one licensed company in the country, E-Stave. The local government has not established a legal framework around online gambling. This means that you can visit international bookmakers and place your wagers there.
The legal age for high street and online betting in the country is 18. This limit applies to both the locally licensed E-Stave as well as all international betting sites in Slovenia.
If you are playing at E-Stave, you must pay a 15% tax on winnings above the €300 mark. It is automatically absorbed when the bookie pays out on your winnings.
Debit and credit cards, alongside bank wires, are the most popular payments in the country. If you are betting on offshore bookies, it is best to use methods that keep your activity hidden, like cryptos or e-wallets.
20bet, N1bet, Powbet, and Mystake are among the top alternatives if you are looking for a wider range of sports, more competitive odds, and a better offering in terms of bonuses and promotions.
The sports that generate the highest gambling volume in the country are football, basketball, cycling, and all types of winter events (skiing, ski jumping, etc.).