The Serbian government has introduced a set of new regulations aimed at improving the oversight and regulation of gambling and betting establishments. These changes include several measures to ensure better control and increase social responsibility within the industry.
Among the key provisions is the requirement for operators to verify the age of individuals entering automatic gaming clubs and betting shops. This is part of an effort to prevent underage gambling.
Additionally, a new obligation mandates that posters containing warnings about gambling addiction and prohibiting minors from participating in these activities must be displayed on the exterior of the establishments. These posters must also include information about addiction prevention and the contact details of a Ministry of Health-certified facility for the treatment of gambling addiction.
Another significant change is the prohibition of serving food and alcoholic beverages containing more than five percent alcohol in betting shops and automatic gaming clubs. Establishments have until July 1, 2026, to comply with this ban.
The regulations also introduce new self-exclusion and self-limitation options for players, allowing them to voluntarily limit their participation in gambling activities. For online gambling operators, the law mandates the implementation of specific information and communication systems to ensure compliance, including allowing authorities access to their databases. Additionally, operators will be required to verify the identity of players upon registration to prevent minors from engaging in online gambling. They will also need to provide the Gambling Administration with access to their video surveillance links.
The distance requirement for betting shops and automatic gaming clubs from primary and secondary schools has also been revised. Previously, a certificate from the Republic Geodetic Institute was sufficient to measure the distance; now, a traffic expert’s opinion will also be required to confirm compliance with the regulations.
Regarding penalties for illegal gambling activities, the law stipulates that if a violation is discovered in a specific location, the operator’s license will be revoked, even after just one violation is identified. This measure aims to improve accountability within the industry.
Furthermore, the law now allows gambling operators to apply for a ten-year license for special games of chance on automatic machines. If operators submit a renewal application 90 days before the expiration of their current license, and they meet all legal requirements, the license will be extended for another ten years.
These regulatory changes are expected to enhance the monitoring system, improve the collection of budget revenues, reduce the shadow economy, and increase social responsibility within the gambling sector. Additionally, they aim to provide greater legal and economic security for both operators and consumers.
