Gambling in Montenegro: new legislation enacted
The legislation introduces a modernised licensing system subject to real-time digital monitoring.
Montenegro.- New gambling legislation has been enacted in Montenegro, introducing public health safeguards while aiming to enhance the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
The legislation will replace the previous concession model with a modernised licensing system subject to real-time digital monitoring. Underage betting will be criminalised and and mandatory player identification and video verification will be imposed.
Online operators will now pay a 10 per cent tax on net gaming revenue, while player winnings over €300 will be subject to 15 per cent personal income tax on payout.
Finance minister Novica Vuković described the legislation as “clear demonstration of the state’s resolve and capacity to regulate a sector that has long lacked oversight”. It also addresses pressure from international bodies including the European Council to impose stronger anti-money laundering (AML) measures and fiscal transparency. However, some stakeholders have argued that the new legislation’s provisions on criminal liability and licence revocation could destabilise the regulated market.
Some measures have already been taken over the past two years, including a ban on offshore betting platforms, restrictions for online payments and a limiting transactions to cards or in-person methods. The government eventually dropped a proposal to limit payment options for online gambling to cash deposits only amid strong opposition from the gaming industry, which warned that the proposal was contrary to European anti-money laundering objectives.
Meanwhile, the casino licensing fee was doubled to €100,000 and new advertising restrictions limit gambling ads on TV and radio to between 6am and 10pm. Promotions that claim guaranteed winnings or “free money” have been banned.
