Balkan Gaming Federation Moves to Formalise Structure as Regional Industry Pushes Back Against Black-Market Growth
A newly formed alliance representing gambling operators across the Balkans is moving quickly to establish itself as a regional voice in regulatory debates, placing illegal gambling and industry relations with governments at the centre of its agenda.
Just months after its creation, the Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) has agreed to register in Croatia and has begun laying the groundwork for a coordinated policy strategy across six countries. The decision emerged from a meeting organised by Serbia’s Association of Gaming Operators, AGOS, where members also selected Filip Jelevic, secretary general of Croatia’s HUPIS and a representative within the wider European gaming network EUROMAT, to lead a newly established working group.
The group’s first assignment is largely procedural but significant for the federation’s future. Members will prepare and review a founding text based on Croatian legal requirements before submitting it for approval through an online vote involving all participating associations.
Black Market Becomes the Federation’s Defining Issue
Behind those administrative steps lies a broader objective. Since its launch in March, the federation has repeatedly identified unlicensed gambling activity as one of the most serious threats facing regulated operators in Southeast Europe.
Its membership brings together industry bodies from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia, creating one of the largest coordinated lobbying efforts the region’s gambling sector has attempted.
The federation is now preparing discussions with national regulators from across the Balkans. Planned roundtable meetings are expected to focus on what operators describe as growing regulatory, financial and administrative burdens, alongside strategies aimed at reducing the influence of unlicensed gambling providers.
Industry representatives argue that policy discussions frequently overlook the economic contribution of licensed businesses. Milos Lalevic, vice president of Montenegro’s GPIS association and a former deputy minister involved in the country’s European integration efforts, maintains that gambling remains burdened by outdated public perceptions. In his view, regulations introduced without detailed assessment or meaningful consultation can have unintended consequences, weakening legal operators while creating opportunities for illegal competitors.
A Region in the Middle of Regulatory Change
The federation’s concerns emerge against a backdrop of significant regulatory activity across the region.
Croatia has become one of the most closely watched markets after the government unveiled a major reform package last year. The proposals introduced tighter identification requirements, new player verification measures, a nationwide self-exclusion system and a revised taxation structure linked to gambling winnings.
Industry groups responded sharply, warning that the changes could place thousands of jobs at risk and reshape the economics of the sector.
Romania has followed a different path, concentrating much of its recent attention on player protection. Concerns surrounding underage gambling have become a prominent issue in national political discussions, bringing increased scrutiny to operators and prompting debate over additional safeguards.
Serbia’s Jackpot Reform and Montenegro’s Pushback
Serbia has taken steps designed to strengthen the regulated market’s competitive position. Earlier this year authorities permitted licensed domestic operators to offer jackpot products, a measure intended to attract players away from unregulated alternatives.
The move aligns closely with one of the federation’s central themes: making licensed platforms more competitive against operators functioning outside regulatory oversight.
Elsewhere, industry opposition has focused on proposed restrictions rather than market incentives. Operators in Montenegro have criticised government plans affecting taxation and advertising, arguing that some measures could place additional pressure on legal businesses.
European Dimension Enters the Debate
Croatian representatives have also challenged the process behind their country’s reform package. HUPIS and EUROMAT contend that the government failed to properly notify the European Commission before advancing legislative changes, arguing that the process may conflict with obligations under European notification rules.
The dispute has elevated what began as a domestic regulatory debate into a wider European issue, drawing attention from organisations operating beyond the Balkans.
As it expands its activities, the Balkan Gaming Federation is seeking closer ties with continental counterparts. Alongside its engagement with regulators, the organisation says it is working with international companies and independent experts as it develops policy positions.
September Set to Shape the Federation’s Future
The organisation’s next major public appearance is scheduled for late September in Romania, where representatives will attend EUROMAT’s annual Board of Directors meeting hosted by ROMSLOT.
The following day, federation members are expected to elect the BGF’s first president, marking another milestone in the organisation’s effort to transform itself from a newly formed alliance into a permanent regional industry body.
For now, the federation is positioning itself as a platform for coordinated action across Southeast Europe, arguing that cooperation between regulators and licensed operators is essential if governments want to curb illegal gambling while maintaining viable legal markets.
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