North Macedonia’s new government working to revise gambling laws

Júlia Moura September 2, 2024

With a new government in power, North Macedonia has begun revising its gambling laws to adapt to the country’s social and political complexities. Led by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkov, the “Nationalist Allies” (VMRO-DPMNE) took control following their victory in May, marking a historic moment with the first woman to lead the Balkan nation since its independence in 1991.

The new administration has pledged to combat corruption and improve economic conditions, both of which are essential for joining the European Union (EU), a goal North Macedonia has pursued since obtaining candidate status in 2005. Part of this strategy involves reviewing the Gambling Act, legislation that was approved by the General Assembly in February but blocked by former President Stevo Pendarovski.

The proposed reforms for the gambling sector, the country’s largest private employer, are controversial and face resistance from various quarters. Among the most critical issues are new rules for issuing licences, the closure of physical establishments, and the oversight of online activities, a field that still lacks comprehensive regulation.

In July 2024, the political alliance Vlen, representing the Albanian minority, reopened the debate on amendments to the Gambling Act, proposing stringent restrictions that could drastically reduce the number of gambling establishments. Although the market has proven resilient and significantly contributes to the country’s GDP, it continues to be affected by outdated regulatory frameworks and weak oversight on issues such as money laundering and advertising.

The gambling market in North Macedonia

Despite North Macedonia’s relatively small population, the online gambling market is quite concentrated, creating opportunities for local operators to stand out. These operators benefit from tailoring their offerings to the specific preferences of Macedonian customers, giving them a competitive edge over international companies.

The growing use of smartphones and the availability of mobile apps have boosted the market, allowing customers to gamble anywhere, anytime. The popularity of mobile gambling, which offers a more interactive experience with features such as live betting, has attracted new customers who previously did not engage in traditional forms of gambling.

Economic growth in the country also plays a crucial role, increasing disposable income and allowing customers to spend more on leisure activities like online gambling. Government regulations supporting the industry’s development create a favourable business environment for operators.

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