Next year’s forecast for the igaming markets of the Balkans

Author: Live Casino Direct
 
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Gambling was run as a state monopoly in the former Yugoslavia. Here we look into the regulations and trends of online gambling in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.

Gambling has been legal in Serbia since 2006. Full regulation appeared in 2013. The business is controlled by the Games of Chance Administration and a department of the Serbian Ministry of Finance and Economy. Applicants need registered capital of €250,000, a €300,00 bank deposit and daily deposit of€10, 000. Online casinos are licensed for €2,500 per month. Football and basketball are the most popular sports to bet on in Serb.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has Europe's highest number of betting shops per person. The country is divided into three regions with its own regulations and requirements. Online gambling is prohibited in the Brčko district. Football is the most popular sport in Bosnia and 10% of Bosniaks play weekly.

Gambling in Montenegro was legalized in 2006 and online gambling in 2011. Almost 40% of Montenegrins periodically play in the casino and bet on sports. The list of favorite sports for betting includes football, water polo, volleyball, basketball, and handball. Next year’s forecast for the igaming markets of the Balkans.

Almost all forms of gambling were regulated in Croatia in 2014. To open an online casino in the country, you need to obtain a local license issued by the Ministry of Finance. Foreign platforms that do not have a license cannot accept players or payments from Croatia.

Slovenia has a moderate regulatory regime. Sports betting and lotteries are under the state monopoly. Only those who already operate a land-based gambling establishment can manage an online casino. The Ministry of Finance is in charge of issuing licenses. Slovenia is considered attractive in terms of traffic because there are practically no restrictions on admission to gambling.

Gambling in North Macedonia was legalized in 2011. Popular games in the country are Jackpot Giant, Age of the Gods, Jungle Trouble, Starburst, Twin Spin, Gonzo’s Quest, Aloha Cluster Pays. Slotegrator, a leading igaming software developer and aggregator has been expanding its presence in former Yugoslavian markets for almost ten years.