Balkan Nations Join Forces with New Gambling Trade Body

A Unified Voice for the Balkan Gaming Industry

The initiative, driven by the national gambling associations of Serbia and Bulgaria, culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in Belgrade. Seven organisations have joined forces under a single banner - AGOS (Serbia), AOGGAB (Bulgaria), HUPIS (Croatia), ROMSLOT (Romania), GPIS (Montenegro), UPIS RS (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and MAK GEJMING (North Macedonia).

Together, they form the Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) - a body representing a wide spectrum of stakeholders, from online and land-based operators to suppliers and manufacturers.

Key Goals and Areas of Cooperation

The newly formed federation is not merely symbolic. It comes with a clear agenda and defined priorities.

Among its core objectives is the fight against illegal gambling, a challenge that continues to impact multiple Balkan markets. At the same time, the BGF aims to promote responsible gambling and fair competition while encouraging the exchange of knowledge and best practices between member states.

The organisation will also act as a platform for legislative dialogue, helping members navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Attracting investment and organising joint industry events are further areas of focus, reinforcing the region’s appeal on the global stage.

A Strategic Link to the European Framework

Several BGF founding members are already affiliated with the European Gaming and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT). This connection places the new body in a strong position within the broader European framework.

The expectation is that the BGF will operate as a regional cluster within EUROMAT. At the same time, it will retain its distinct identity, ensuring that the specific interests and challenges of Balkan markets remain front and centre.

A Region in Regulatory Motion

The formation of the BGF comes at a particularly dynamic moment for the Balkan gambling sector. Regulatory changes are unfolding across multiple jurisdictions, each shaping the market in different ways.

• Serbia: Recently introduced legislation allows domestically licensed operators to offer jackpots, encouraging players to stay within the regulated ecosystem.
• Bulgaria: Lawmakers are debating stricter controls, including a proposal to raise the legal gambling age from 18 to 21.
• Romania: A renewed regulatory push is underway, with authorities focusing on stronger player protection measures and closer collaboration with policymakers.
• Montenegro: Industry tensions have surfaced following an attempted overhaul of the taxation system, criticised for lacking clarity and supporting data.
• Croatia: A broader reform package is in motion, with the introduction of a national self-exclusion scheme already underway.
• North Macedonia: Political momentum is building towards stricter regulation, with leadership openly supporting tighter industry controls.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Discussions are intensifying around potential tax changes, including the possible removal of VAT exemptions currently enjoyed by the sector.

This wave of reform highlights a clear pattern: the region is evolving, but not always in sync.

Strength in Collaboration

The creation of the Balkan Gaming Federation signals a shift towards greater alignment in a region marked by rapid regulatory change.

By bringing together key stakeholders under one structure, the BGF offers a coordinated approach to shared challenges and opportunities. It provides clarity where complexity often dominates. For the Balkan gambling sector, this collective effort may prove to be not just timely, but transformative.