Balkan Gaming Federation Targets Illegal Gambling

The Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) has set out a series of coordinated steps aimed at confronting illegal gambling across Southeast Europe as the newly formed trade body strengthens ties between regulators and licensed operators.

Established in March 2026, the federation unites gaming associations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Since its formation, it has identified the black market as a central concern for the region’s gambling sector.

At a recent meeting hosted by Serbia’s Association of Gaming Operators, members agreed to register the federation in Croatia and formed a working group to prepare internal documents aligned with Croatian law. Filip Jelevic, Secretary General of Croatia’s HUPIS and a member of EUROMAT, was appointed to lead the group.

Regulatory Dialogue and Market Pressures

The federation has stepped up engagement with national regulators across the Balkans. A planned regional roundtable will bring together authorities and industry representatives to discuss taxation, compliance burdens, administrative pressure, and the expansion of illegal gambling.

At its second meeting in Belgrade, members stressed that cooperation between governments and licensed operators is essential for managing risks, protecting players, and reducing illegal market activity.

Participants noted that enforcement alone is insufficient and that effective policy requires structured collaboration between institutions and industry stakeholders.

Industry representatives also argued that legislation is often introduced without adequate consultation or recognition of the sector’s economic role. They highlighted contributions from legal operators, including tax revenue, employment, sports funding, and player protection systems, while noting rising regulatory costs.

Illegal Market Concerns Across the Region

Members warned that excessive regulatory pressure can weaken licensed operators and allow illegal providers to expand their presence. They also pointed to unregulated advertising through digital channels that remains difficult for authorities to control.

The issue has become increasingly visible across the region as several governments have introduced major reforms.

Croatia implemented broad gambling changes in 2025, including new ID checks, advertising restrictions, a self-exclusion system, and revised taxation rules. Industry groups argued the measures could affect jobs and competitiveness.

Romania has tightened oversight of player protection due to concerns over underage gambling. Serbia has taken a different approach, allowing jackpots for licensed operators to encourage use of regulated platforms.

In Montenegro, operators have criticised proposed tax and advertising changes, warning of added pressure on the legal sector.

Regional Coordination and Future Plans

The federation intends to deepen cooperation with EU institutions and international bodies, including EUROMAT, as part of its strategy to address challenges facing licensed operators.

It will attend EUROMAT’s Board of Directors meeting on 29 September in Romania, followed by the election of the federation’s first president on 30 September.

Miloš Lalevic, Vice President of GPIS Montenegro, said: “The sector is still viewed through outdated perceptions, without sufficient understanding of its economic importance and the role of licensed operators.”

He added: “When regulations are adopted without analysis, transparency, and real dialogue with the industry, they do not limit the problem, but weaken the legal market and open more space for the black sector.”

Source:

“Balkan gaming industry lacing up gloves for black market fight”, sbcnews.co.uk, May 29, 2026