New Balkan Gaming Federation aims to boost collaboration and showcase regional sector
The new trade body brings together several of the region’s largest gaming industry associations.
Serbia.- Some of the leading gaming industry associations in the Balkans have come together to create the Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF). The new body aims to showcase the region’s market potential internationally while strengthening collaboration by aligning strategic objectives.
The seven founding members of the new collective are Serbia’s AGOS, Bulgaria’s AOGGAB, Croatia’s HUPIS, Romania’s ROMSLOT, Montenegro’s GPIS, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s UPIS RS, and MAK GEJMING in North Macedonia. They signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in Belgrade.
The seven members represent a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from online and land-based gaming operators to suppliers and manufacturers. They intend to collaborate to tackle illegal gambling in the region, foster fair competition, share best practices and engage in legislative dialogue. They also plan to host joint events aimed at attracting investment in the sector.
Many of the BGF’s founding members are also part of the European Gaming and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT).
The timing of the BGF’s launch coincides with a series of regulatory changes across the region, some of which point in differing directions. While Serbia has introduced legislation to allow licensed domestic operators to offer jackpots, aiming to boost channelisation to the regulated market, Bulgaria and Romania are debating stricter controls, including proposals to raise the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21.
Montenegro has recently seen industry pushback against a sudden government proposal to change the tax on gambling winnings and Bosnia and Herzegovina is considering ending its VAT exemption for gambling operators. Croatia last year launched a new national self-exclusion scheme.
