.png)
.png)
Municipalities and administrative districts across Serbia have been ordered to enforce updated laws and standards governing gambling venues and franchises.
This directive comes in response to the fast-tracking of "protective amendments" recently approved by parliament under the Republic of Serbia’s Law on Games of Chance (2011). Authorities in Serbia’s 29 districts and 190 municipalities have been tasked with evaluating the licenses and customer protection protocols of local arcades, betting shops, and bingo halls.
Inspections are set to determine whether these venues are adhering to mandatory age verification protocols, ensuring that minors are prohibited from engaging in gambling activities. Additionally, venues are now required to prominently display warnings about the risks of gambling addiction. These warnings must include information about certified treatment facilities and support services for those struggling with gambling disorders.
New regulations also extend to the provision of food and beverages within gambling venues. Alcohol served to customers must have an alcohol content below 5%, and venues are prohibited from serving alcohol to patrons participating in sports betting or playing slot machines.
For arcades and venues with gaming machines, compliance checks will confirm adherence to licensing fee regulations. Venues must pay a 15% base fee calculated on the difference between the total value of wagers and the total value of winnings from slot machines. Meanwhile, sports betting franchises are required to pay a 15% base fee on sports wagers, with a minimum fee set at €1,000 (in dinar value) for every registered betting shop.
Local mayors have been given a deadline of July 1 to complete these inspections and report their findings to the government, detailing the status of gambling venues and their individual licenses. The push for compliance was initiated by Serbia’s State Attorney, who has demanded explanations from local authorities regarding the issuance of multiple gambling licenses in rural towns and districts.
This review of gambling venues is being carried out under the newly reformed Law on Inspection Oversight and the Law on General Administrative Procedure, which provide expanded federal oversight to Serbia’s government.
The Green-Left Front (ZLF) has been at the forefront of calls to overhaul Serbia’s gambling laws. In November, the ZLF proposed a series of amendments, including a ban on gambling advertising and sponsorships. Critics, however, argue that President Aleksandar Vučić, now serving his third term, has failed to address gambling-related issues. Opposition parties have accused the government of lacking resources to assess the extent of gambling addiction in local communities.
A 2023 report on citizens’ lifestyles by Public Health Serbia revealed troubling statistics: 30% of youths aged 15-19 had engaged in gambling, placing Serbia at the bottom of Balkan nations in this regard. The ZLF has accused the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of blocking its proposals, alleging that Vučić and his administration are prioritizing the financial interests of Serbian football clubs and their partnerships with betting companies.
The SNS has countered these claims, stating that a comprehensive review of Serbia’s gambling laws is ongoing. According to the SNS, President Vučić is focusing on proposals submitted by the SNS and its coalition partner, the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS). The president has reportedly intensified scrutiny of all proposals related to business and compliance laws, citing his objective of achieving full European Union (EU) membership for Serbia by the end of the 2020s.
By fLEXI tEAM
Comments