

Balkan's
Albania to Re-legalise Sports Betting from January 1
Albania is going to reintroduce legal sports betting as of 1 January 2023, four years after it, along with casinos and online gambling, was made illegal.
The decision, which has been on the cards since the summer, will bring much-needed revenue to the government, which faces a debt of over 90%, increasing pressure to subsidise rising energy costs, and calls to support the vulnerable amid the global crisis.
Effective as of the start of next year, sports betting games will now be legal, and it is estimated that some €17 million will be collected in tax each year.
All gambling, except a handful of licensed casinos, was prohibited as of 31 December 2018. Hundreds of betting shops and gambling sites were shut down, and efforts were made to block online sites.
However, gambling continued throughout the country in illegal betting and gambling shops, with arrests occurring almost weekly.
Momentum to legalise sports betting has been growing since August when a coalition of sporting stakeholders petitioned the government to ask for the reinstitution of regulated and supervised sports betting, arguing it can bring much-needed revenue to one of Europe’s poorest countries.
“We are not proposing to open the entire range of gambling, including electronic casinos or bingo halls. Our proposal includes total fiscal transparency, league-regulated online sports betting,” the petition states.
Stakeholders suggest that revenue generated from sports betting be used to support the country’s athletes. The petition specifies that betting should be allowed via certified operators, including local and international brands. In addition, they suggest an age limit and a maximum bet limit.
“The regulation of sports betting by law is a practice followed by many Western countries. In these countries, the income from sports betting is used to develop sports and sports infrastructure and to support the youth,” they argued.
Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the push stating that if the decision goes ahead, extreme conditions will be imposed, and all revenue will go to sports, culture and youth.
“We will look at this very positively; we will set extreme conditions…these are guaranteed by large international companies, which operate worldwide and operate in the European Union area.”
He added: “I have been obvious that these revenues, which we calculate to be many times more than what we contribute every year, go to sports, culture and youth, but very clearly and dedicatedly, the lion’s share, the sport will take it.”
Balkan's
SYNOT Partners with Efbet in Bulgaria

SYNOT Group has announced that it has installed its gaming equipment into the premium locations of Efbet in Bulgaria. The popular Firebird RED and BLUE compendiums in Eclipse FL-32 cabinet are now shining bright in 7 locations in 5 different cities across Efbet network in the country.
“I am proud and very thankful to Efbet that after the successful launch of SYNOT online games in April, now they are providing a stage for the top of the notch land-based products of SYNOT Group. We at SYNOT Group are looking forward to a strong and successful partnership with Efbet,” said Stanislav Stanev, International Business Development Director of SYNOT Group.
The Firebird RED and BLUE gaming systems are already proven concepts, operating across a wide range of markets in which the SYNOT Group is present. These systems are highly popular among players, which is a testament to their quality and appeal. Each set offers dozens of sophisticated and original titles with eye-catching graphics and engaging bonus features, all of which are developed by SYNOT Games. The sets include both fruit and themed titles; in addition to classic games, they also feature standout Hold and Respin titles, which are favourite among players. Among the most popular Hold and Respin games are Aztec Jaguar, Tiki Princess, Legend of Medusa and others. Thanks to their outstanding technical features, Firebird systems are flexible and easily adaptable to meet the specific requirements of various markets, making them successful across several continents.
The Eclipse FL-32 cabinet is one of SYNOT’s most popular new generation cabinets. This sleek and elegant model is equipped with 32″ Full HD monitors, delivering an excellent visual experience that enhances the attractiveness of the games. With its modern design and high-quality components, the Eclipse FL-32 is the ideal choice for any casino aiming offer players the highest standards of comfort and gaming experience.
“We are very happy to cooperate with SYNOT Group in both verticals. Like this we believe that the synergy between the online and land-based casino games will bring more fun and entertainment for our players. With the newly installed SYNOT slot machines in some of our prime locations we can offer more to our customers,” said Marina Zaharieva, manager Efbet casino & sports.
The post SYNOT Partners with Efbet in Bulgaria appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Balkan's
BEGE Expo Announces “Gaming Start-UP Challenge 7.0” — A Premier Opportunity for Gaming Innovators

For the 16th edition of BEGE, one of the most important events in the gaming industry in the Balkans, the expo proudly brings back the “Gaming Start-UP Challenge 7.0” as a highlight of this year’s event. This exciting entrepreneurial competition returns to the BEGE and EEGS stage, offering start-ups a unique platform to showcase their innovations to industry leaders and investors.
The challenge is open to start-ups developing groundbreaking solutions relevant to the gaming industry. Whether your focus is on advanced payment methods, online gaming platforms, cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies, security solutions, or cutting-edge game development tools, your innovation has a place here. The competition also welcomes pioneering work in augmented and virtual reality, esports and live streaming, and responsible gaming technologies. In essence, any technology that enhances or revolutionizes the gaming or gambling experience fits the spirit of this challenge.
Participants will have the exclusive chance to pitch their start-up live on the EEGS stage, gaining invaluable exposure during the two-day BEGE exhibition. Beyond the stage, this event provides a vibrant networking environment to connect with potential partners, investors, and key stakeholders across the gaming ecosystem.
To apply, startups are required to pay a nominal participation fee of 100 euros to secure their spot. Selected applicants will receive a short questionnaire and be invited to prepare a concise presentation for the competition.
Don’t miss this opportunity to propel your gaming start-up into the spotlight and join the forefront of gaming innovation.
Apply now and take your place in shaping the future of the industry!
The post BEGE Expo Announces “Gaming Start-UP Challenge 7.0” — A Premier Opportunity for Gaming Innovators appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Balkan's
SYNOT Group Showcased its Latest Products at Belgrade Future Gaming 2025

SYNOT Group once again took part in the prestigious Belgrade Future Gaming exhibition, held on May 27–28, 2025, in Belgrade, Serbia. At booth A3, featuring a brand-new casino-inspired design, SYNOT presented its latest technologies and gaming solutions, which were met with positive feedback from both visitors and business partners.
This year’s presentation built on the successful introduction of the company’s new visual booth concept at the ICE exhibition in Barcelona. Representatives from SYNOT W, SYNOT Games and SYNOT Interactive brought a comprehensive range of products and solutions to the Serbian capital.
SYNOT unveiled its newest product innovations and technological advancements, including a broad portfolio of the latest gaming cabinets and systems. The world premiere of the ST3-27 cabinet, which features 27-inch monitors, attracted significant interest when it was unveiled to the public for the first time in Belgrade.
Among other presented models was the modular ST2-32 cabinet, the first of its kind in the SYNOT portfolio. It was showcased in a configuration featuring an LED jackpot display and the Gamifire Prime gaming system, offering 36 games. Also on display were the brand-new Firebird Gold system, offering a mix of 42 classic and Hold and Respin games, and Firebird Platinum, featuring a combination of 36 classic and linked games.
Visitors could also see other proven models, including the UP2-32, UP1-27, and Eclipse FL-32. The presentation was further enriched by updated jackpot systems, such as the new version of SUPER LINK for slot machines with 8 linked games, presented in the UP2-32 cabinet with LED display; MAGIC BALL LINK in the Eclipse FL-32 setup; and the well-known Firebird Red, Blue and Explosive Games Premium+, which drew significant attention.
A key part of the SYNOT presentation was the SYNNET Casino Management System, introduced by experts from SYNOT Interactive. The company also showcased its complete portfolio of iGaming software solutions. Meanwhile, SYNOT Games highlighted its growing offer of over 200 online games, including the innovative retention tool PEAK, which enables operators to launch targeted promotional campaigns.
“Belgrade Future Gaming is traditionally an important event for us. It provides the opportunity to present our latest innovations, meet with partners, and explore new business opportunities. We were very pleased with the high attendance at our booth and the positive reactions to both our new products and booth design. Throughout the exhibition, we held numerous productive meetings that opened up further opportunities for collaboration. This strong interest from industry professionals confirms that BFG remains a key platform for strengthening the SYNOT brand and expanding our business in the region,” said Roland Andrýsek, Sales Director of SYNOT GROUP.
The post SYNOT Group Showcased its Latest Products at Belgrade Future Gaming 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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