Serbia Formalizes Jackpot Regulation Under New Rulebook

Serbia has formally established a regulatory framework for jackpot games following the publication of a new Rulebook in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia. The measures accompany the implementation of Article 115b of the Law on Games of Chance and define, for the first time, how jackpot systems must be organized, approved, and supervised across both online and land-based gambling activities.

The Rulebook lays out operational, technical, and compliance standards that licensed gambling operators must meet before offering jackpot games. It introduces a dedicated legal structure governing system certification, approval procedures, and limits on annual jackpot payouts, placing jackpots under closer regulatory oversight.

Licensing Requirements and Jackpot Approvals

Under the new rules, only licensed operators can offer jackpot games. Approval from the Games of Chance Administration is required on an operator-by-operator basis and is valid for one calendar year, running from January 1 to December 31. Operators must submit applications annually, including documentation confirming system compliance, a formal decision from their competent authority approving the jackpot, and detailed rules specifying jackpot mechanics.

“The regulations prescribe the documentation that must be submitted with the request, as well as the types of jackpots that the organizers of special games of chance can organize… the certificate of fulfillment of the requirements of the jackpot system is issued by an authorized laboratory,” the Ministry of Finance said. Progressive jackpots accumulate a defined portion of participant stakes and are awarded via a random number generator (RNG). Fixed jackpots maintain set amounts, with winners chosen randomly using the same RNG methodology.

Technical Oversight and Security Measures

All jackpot systems must operate exclusively through certified platforms, and manual interference in outcomes is prohibited. Operators must encrypt data, maintain secure backups, and enable real-time data exchange with the Games of Chance Administration to prevent misuse. The Rulebook also introduces a statutory limit on jackpot payouts: total annual payouts cannot exceed 20% of an operator’s net betting base, calculated separately for betting, gaming machines, and online electronic channels.

“The provisions of the Rulebook did not introduce any novelties of importance for the players themselves, but… refer to the regulation of the procedure for organizing the jackpot by the organizers of games of chance,” the Ministry noted.

Regulatory Context and Social Considerations

The Rulebook forms part of broader reforms to the 2024 Law on Games of Chance, emphasizing licensing, system certification, and technical supervision. In 2025, President Aleksandar Vučić initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal gambling venues after reports highlighted underage participation, marking heightened political attention on gambling regulation.

Opposition parties have called for stronger protections for younger players, suggesting enhanced age verification and safeguards for those under 21. Critics argue the reforms focus heavily on licensing structures and technical requirements while offering limited measures to address gambling-related harm among consumers.

The Rulebook entered into force eight days after publication and reinforces governance, oversight, and technical control within Serbia’s regulated gambling market, providing a clear framework for operators while ensuring transparency, security, and fiscal accountability.

Source:

“The new regulations limit the annual maximum amount of the jackpot paid out”, glas-javnosti.rs. January 11, 2026