The development of gambling in what is now Slovenia is closely linked to the development of tourism, political changes, and the country’s economic interests. Although today we often associate gambling with modern entertainment complexes or online platforms, its beginnings go back more than a century.

Read more: How gambling has shaped Slovenian tourism

A broader reflection on this topic has recently also been supported by an extensive series of historical articles published on the e-casino.si portal, where they prepared one of the most comprehensive overviews of the development of gambling in Slovenia. Reviews like these raise the question of how important a role this activity actually played in the development of Slovenian tourism and the economy.

The first casino in Portorož

At the beginning of the 20th century, Portorož was becoming a popular seaside resort within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Wealthy guests from Vienna, Trieste, and other cities, in addition to spa retreats, were also looking for social entertainment.

In 1913, a casino opened in Portorož, considered one of the first larger organized gaming venues in the area. At the time, gambling was part of a broader tourist offering aimed mainly at wealthier visitors. World War I interrupted this development, but the link between tourism and gambling remained.

Gambling during Yugoslavia

After World War II, Slovenia became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Although the socialist system ideologically did not promote such activities, the state recognized the economic potential of gambling.

At the time, Yugoslavia urgently needed foreign currency to import technology and industrial equipment, and the domestic currency was not freely convertible on international markets. Due to relatively open borders and proximity to Italy, Slovenia became an attractive destination for foreign visitors who spent their currency in casinos. Gambling thus became a pragmatic economic tool, primarily aimed at acquiring foreign currency and developing border regions.

As highlighted by research on the development of Nova Gorica as a gambling center in the 1970s and 1980s (e.g., publications by the School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana), in this period the activity was clearly geared toward foreign guests, especially from Italy.

Nova Gorica as an economic hub

Because of its location on the border with Italy, Nova Gorica became a key location for the development of the gambling industry. In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, casinos attracted many foreign visitors, which significantly influenced the local economy.

Gambling contributed to the creation of new jobs, the development of the hotel and hospitality sector, infrastructure improvements, and the broader development of border regions. Although the activity was strictly regulated, it played an important role in regional development.

The post-independence period

After 1991, independent Slovenia introduced a concession system for organizing games of chance, which enabled controlled growth of the industry while maintaining state oversight.

In the 1990s, there was a noticeable boom, especially in western Slovenia. Gambling complexes developed as part of broader tourist centers that combined hotels, hospitality, and entertainment, thus contributing to the expansion of the tourist offering.

Digitalization and new challenges

At the beginning of the 21st century, the development of the internet brought new challenges. Digital platforms changed how people access gambling, which required adjustments to legislation and business models.

The modern era is marked by stricter regulation, a greater focus on consumer protection, and technological adaptation by traditional providers. Today, the gambling industry operates in a more controlled and structured environment than ever before.

Entertainment and responsibility

The role of gambling in Slovenia goes beyond entertainment. In certain regions, the industry has made an important contribution to employment, tourism development, and broader economic progress. At the same time, over the years there have also been debates about social impacts and the need for responsible regulation.

This balance between economic interest and social responsibility remains one of the key features of the sector’s development.

Conclusion

The history of gambling in Slovenia reflects broader social and economic changes. From elite seaside salons at the beginning of the 20th century, through the socialist model of acquiring foreign currency, to today’s regulated industry—the sector has continually adapted to new conditions.

Today, gambling is part of the country’s broader tourism and economic structure, and its future will depend mainly on technological development, legislative direction, and the ability to maintain a balance between development and social responsibility.