Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Balkan's

Albania to Re-legalise Sports Betting from January 1

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

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.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

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.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

“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.”

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Balkan's

Endorphina Partners with Volcanobet

Published

on

endorphina-partners-with-volcanobet
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

The leading online slot provider Endorphina has recently partnered with Volcanobet, the largest concessionaire in the field of gambling in Montenegro.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Volcanobet, bringing our top-quality slot games to Montenegro and fueling their dynamic expansion into the Serbian and Bosnian markets. This collaboration strengthens our regional footprint while offering Volcanobet’s players an exciting and diverse gaming experience with our portfolio of thrilling slots,” Lohith Chittajallu, Partnerships Manager at Endorphina, said.

“The newly formed partnership between Vezuv – Volcano (Volcano BET) and Endorphina is set to elevate the gaming experience for the users and bring a new and exciting level of entertainment,” Lena Bošković, Director of Corporate Communications at Volcanobet, said.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Volcanobet is the largest iGaming brand in Montenegro, offering an impeccable supply of online entertainment and quality services. Committed to responsibly contributing to the environment and society, Volcano builds trust and takes care of its people and capital.

The post Endorphina Partners with Volcanobet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Balkan's

BEGE celebrates 15 years as Eastern Europe’s premier gaming expo

Published

on

bege-celebrates-15-years-as-eastern-europe’s-premier-gaming-expo
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

The most significant event for the gaming industry in Eastern Europe – the Balkan Entertainment & Gaming Expo (BEGE) – will bring together leading companies, innovators, and industry representatives on November 27 and 28 for its 15th-anniversary edition. In celebration of this milestone, the organizers have prepared numerous surprises and special awards.

Once again, BEGE will offer a rich program, uniting industry leaders, investors, and successful entrepreneurs to share ideas, technologies, and inspiration. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to explore the latest gaming technologies, try out innovative solutions, and enjoy impressive demonstrations.

Traditionally, the first and second days of the event feature the EEGS conference, where internationally recognized speakers will present analyses and discussions critical to the development of the gaming industry. Special panels will provide a platform for leading gaming experts to discuss the future of the industry, emerging trends, and initiatives promoting responsible gaming practices.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

For the first time, BEGE will welcome startups, offering them the opportunity to participate in Gaming StartUp Challenge 6.0. This challenge provides a unique opportunity to meet with key industry figures. The most promising startups will be recognized and granted invaluable access to the experience and insights of industry leaders.

As always, the exhibition begins with the BEGE Awards ceremony, a symbol of recognition for innovation, outstanding achievements, and success across various sectors of the gaming industry, with awards such as “Online Provider of the Year” and “Online Game of the Year.” The awards will be presented on November 26 at an elegant dinner at Black&White club in Sofia’s Grand Hotel Millennium.

A key highlight of the program is the Proximity Zone, providing companies with additional visibility through live-streamed interviews and product presentations with leading global brands and experts.

BEGE is a must-attend event for anyone with an interest in the gaming industry. This year, more than 80 exhibitors and over 6,000 visitors from 70 countries are expected, making it a place where the passion for gaming and innovation meets business opportunities.

The post BEGE celebrates 15 years as Eastern Europe’s premier gaming expo appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading

Balkan's

CT Interactive to Present Latest Content at BEGE 2024

Published

on

ct-interactive-to-present-latest-content-at-bege-2024
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

CT Interactive will showcase at BEGE, which will take place on November 27-28, 2024, at the Inter Expo Centre in Sofia, Bulgaria. The company will present at stand 3.15А its top-notch slot catalogue featuring cutting-edge mechanics and engaging gameplay designed to appeal to various players.

Silvia Hristova, CT Interactive’s CPSO, said: “We are excited to participate in BEGE, a central event for the gaming industry in Europe. This year, CT Interactive is showcasing a selection of games tailored to meet the evolving needs of our partners and engage players with innovative and localised content. BEGE offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, strengthen our relationships, and explore new growth opportunities in this dynamic region. We look forward to sharing our latest advancements and demonstrating our commitment to creating high-quality gaming experiences.”

The CT Interactive team at the expo will include Lachezar Petrov (CEO), Monika Zlateva (CCO), Silvia Hristova (CPSO), Antonio Donov (HBD EMEA & Asia), Kiril Kirilov (AM).

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

BEGE brings together manufacturers, online operators, affiliates, payment service providers and media professionals. This year’s exhibition will feature numerous companies from the gaming industry, showcasing their latest products, services and groundbreaking solutions.

The post CT Interactive to Present Latest Content at BEGE 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending