# European youth protection against digital gambling > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-youth-protection-against-digital-gambling > Updated: 2026-09-12T06:25:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. European health and regulatory authorities are addressing the risks posed by the intersection of video gaming and gambling for younger demographics. In Slovakia, the Gambling Regulatory Authority (URHH) launched the ‘Safer Digital Future’ research initiative in collaboration with the University of St. Cyril and Methodius. This project aims to study digital mechanics such as loot boxes, skin betting, and randomized reward systems to develop an evidence-based regulatory framework targeting Generation Z and Generation Alpha. Similarly, the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) issued national guidelines to protect children from these risks. The HZJZ identified loot boxes as a ‘hidden form of gambling’ and warned against persuasive design elements like the ‘near-miss effect’ and dynamic pricing. Proposed protections in Croatia include mandatory age verification, prohibitions on targeted advertising to minors, and the implementation of ‘reality check’ notifications regarding time and money spent. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-12: Croatian Institute of Public Health issues video game gambling guidelines The Croatian Institute of Public Health has issued guidelines to protect youth from gambling risks in video games, specifically targeting loot boxes and persuasive design mechanisms. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-institute-of-public-health-issues-video-game-gambling-guidelines ### 2026-08-24: Slovakia launches research coalition to curb youth gambling Slovakia’s gambling regulator (URHH) has partnered with the University of St. Cyril and Methodius to research the impact of loot boxes and skin betting on youth to inform future digital safety policies. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regulators-and-researchers-target-loot-boxes-and-gaming-spending-risks --- Cite as: European youth protection against digital gambling. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-youth-protection-against-digital-gambling