New Balkan Gaming Federation Seeks to Enhance Collaboration and Highlight Regional Sector

(AsiaGameHub) –   Several of the region’s most prominent gaming industry associations have united to establish a new trade body.

Serbia.- The Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF), a newly formed entity, has been established by leading gaming industry associations across the Balkans. This new organization is designed to highlight the region’s market potential on an international scale and to enhance collaboration through the alignment of strategic goals.

The seven founding members of this new collective are AGOS from Serbia, AOGGAB from Bulgaria, HUPIS from Croatia, ROMSLOT from Romania, GPIS from Montenegro, UPIS RS from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and MAK GEJMING from North Macedonia. These organizations formalized their agreement by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation in Belgrade.

Collectively, the seven members represent a diverse range of stakeholders, encompassing both online and land-based gaming operators, as well as suppliers and manufacturers. Their collaborative efforts will focus on addressing illegal gambling within the region, promoting fair competition, facilitating the exchange of best practices, and engaging in legislative discussions. Additionally, they plan to organize joint events with the objective of attracting investment into the sector.

A significant number of the BGF’s founding members are also affiliated with the European Gaming and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT).

The establishment of the BGF occurs at a time when various regulatory changes are being implemented across the region, with some of these changes indicating divergent approaches. For instance, Serbia has enacted legislation permitting licensed domestic operators to offer jackpots, a move intended to encourage greater participation in the regulated market. In contrast, Bulgaria and Romania are currently deliberating on the introduction of more stringent controls, including proposals to increase the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21.

Montenegro has recently experienced industry opposition to a sudden government proposal that would alter the taxation of gambling winnings, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is considering the removal of its VAT exemption for gambling operators. Last year, Croatia introduced a new national self-exclusion scheme.