Arena Casino

Našice is a small town in eastern Slavonia, between Osijek and Požega, at the foot of the Krndija hills, and it is a pleasant, low-key place with parks, a lake and an elegant castle. Arena Casino, also called Arena Automat Klub, is a gaming venue in the town centre, on the square named after Franjo Tuđman. It is one of several entertainment venues of its kind in Croatia, where slot-machine clubs are common in towns of all sizes, and it has been part of the local scene for a number of years.

A venue of this type is designed for casual play. Inside, visitors find rows of electronic gaming machines and slot games, a bar and a relaxed, informal atmosphere, with staff on hand to explain how things work. Games are played by people of legal age, and the venue is an adult entertainment space, not a place for families. For many locals it is simply somewhere to spend an evening, meet friends and have a coffee or a drink, and for visitors it is one of the few options for nightlife in a small town.

A few words of caution are in order. Gambling carries a real risk, and it is sensible to set a firm limit on what you spend before you walk in, treat it as entertainment rather than a way to make money and walk away if it stops being fun. Rules about age, identification and opening hours are set by law and by the venue, and it is best to check locally. Prices, offers and the games on show change over time.

Našice has more to offer than a game room. The Pejačević Castle, a handsome 19th-century manor set in a park, belonged to the Pejačević counts, a noble family whose members included the composer Dora Pejačević, and it houses the town museum. The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua is a Franciscan church with a long local history, and Jezero Lapovac, a lake on the edge of town, is a pleasant place for a walk, a picnic or a swim in summer. The town's other casinos and cafés line the central streets, and restaurants serve Slavonian specialities such as kulen sausage, stews and fish.

The venue suits adults who enjoy casual gaming as part of an evening out. Combine it with a walk through the castle park and a meal in town.