Balkan Gaming Sector Prepares to Combat Black Market Operations

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) has detailed its upcoming initiatives, with the newly formed trade organization focusing on tackling illegal gambling and enhancing the industry’s image throughout the area.

Established in March 2026, the BGF functions as a regional trade association, comprising six national gaming bodies from various Balkan countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s UPIS RS, Bulgaria’s AOGGAB, Croatia’s HUPIS, Romania’s ROMSLOT, Montenegro’s GPIS, North Macedonia’s MAK GEJMING, and Serbia’s AGOS.

From its inception, the trade body emphasized that addressing the black market was among its primary objectives.

Earlier today, the BGF announced that a meeting arranged by AGOS led to the trade body’s decision to register in Croatia. Concurrently, Filip Jelevic, who serves as Secretary General of HUPIS and is affiliated with the pan-European trade organization EUROMAT, was chosen to chair its newly formed working group.

This working group has been assigned the responsibility of drafting a document consistent with Croatian law, which will then be put to a vote during an online gathering of the six member organizations.

Furthermore, the BGF has initiated discussions with Balkan regulatory bodies, arranging a roundtable discussion with various national authorities to address the “regulatory, financial, and administrative burdens” experienced by Balkan gaming operators, alongside efforts to curb the black market.

“The industry continues to be seen through antiquated viewpoints, lacking adequate appreciation for its economic significance and the function of licensed operators,” stated Milos Lalevic, Vice President of GPIS Montenegro, a former Deputy Minister of Sports and Culture, and a member of Montenegro’s European integration negotiation team.

He added, “Regulations implemented without proper analysis, transparency, and genuine consultation with the industry do not resolve issues; instead, they undermine the legitimate market and create more opportunities for illicit operations.”

The betting industry’s Balkan battleground

Betting markets in the Balkans have undergone significant transformations recently, primarily concerning taxation and regulatory frameworks. Occasionally, this has elevated the industry to a subject of international discussion.

Last October, Croatia’s HDZ government unveiled a comprehensive set of regulatory reforms. HUPIS promptly criticized these changes, contending that the extensive overhaul could put as many as 15,000 jobs at risk.

These reforms encompassed limitations on gambling identification, updated ID verification protocols, the establishment of a national self-exclusion program, and a progressive taxation system tied to player winnings.

Likewise, the Romanian government has been scrutinizing player protection mandates. The situation in Romania mirrors the BGF’s concerns regarding industry perception, given the country’s significant issue with underage gambling.

Nevertheless, the BGF’s objective of curbing the black market is also being pursued in Serbia. In January 2026, the Serbian government permitted domestic licensed operators to provide jackpots, a measure intended to encourage players to use regulated gambling platforms.

Yet, similar to Croatia and Montenegro, the industry has voiced criticism regarding certain regulatory initiatives. In Montenegro, specifically, the industry strongly opposed the government’s proposals concerning taxation and advertising, with national newspapers also joining the critique on the advertising aspect.

Regarding Croatia, EUROMAT and HUPIS asserted that the government had breached the EU’s TRS Directive by neglecting to inform the European Commission (EC) about the proposed regulatory changes. Both organizations urged the EC to intervene.

Concerning EUROMAT, the BGF has been actively collaborating with its European counterpart, in addition to the aforementioned Balkan regulators. The trade body further indicated its engagement with prominent international firms and independent specialists.

The trade body is scheduled to attend EUROMAT’s annual Board of Directors meeting on September 29, which will be hosted by Romania’s ROMSLOT. On September 30, the subsequent day, ROMSLOT will also host the election for the BGF’s inaugural President.

Reaffirming its objectives today, the BGF declared its intention to consolidate regional, European, and international expertise to combat illicit gambling, safeguard legitimate enterprises, and foster productive communication between the industry and governing bodies.