The Balkan Gaming Federation was established in March to unite gambling trade bodies across seven southeastern European nations. The organization aims to address regulatory challenges and reduce the impact of the illegal gambling market.
Federation Objectives and Structure
The federation brings together representatives from Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia. The group signed its Memorandum of Cooperation in Belgrade and registered its headquarters in Croatia.
The first president of the federation is scheduled to be elected this autumn. Additionally, the organization is preparing a roundtable event for regulators, industry leaders, and government officials to discuss market standards.
Miloš Lalević, vice president of GPIS Montenegro, stated that licensed operators contribute to compliance and consumer protection. He noted that regulated markets are necessary for governments to effectively address illegal gambling.
The formation of the federation follows a period of rising regulatory costs and the expansion of unlicensed operators across the region. Legal operators have faced increased tax burdens and competition from the black market.