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Albania to Re-legalise Sports Betting from January 1

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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.”

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SYNOT Games Partners with LiveScore Bet

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To strengthen its presence in the Balkan region, SYNOT Games has teamed with one of the fastest-growing sportsbooks brands, LiveScore Bet. This collaboration will bring a selection of SYNOT Games’ slots to the Bulgarian audience, underscoring the developer’s growth in this important market.

The newly launched suite of games includes a diverse array of immersive titles such as the electrifying Magnetic Wild, the mythical journey of Amazons’ Wonders and the underwater treasure hunt of Atlantis Gold. Each game is meticulously designed to captivate players with its distinct themes, engaging gameplay mechanics and premium visual quality.

According to Martina Krajčí, CCO of SYNOT Games, said: “Our partnership with LiveScore Bet highlights our expansion across regulated European markets. Bulgaria’s dynamic gaming sector, underpinned by strong consumer demand and robust regulatory frameworks, provides an ideal environment for our innovative content. We are committed to supporting LiveScore Bet’s™ mission to offer a premium gaming experience while championing our core principles of player safety and responsible gaming.”

Jonathan Abdilla, Finance Director, at LiveScore Bet, said: “Partnering with SYNOT Games strengthens our position as a leading gaming operator in Bulgaria. We aim to create a compelling content offer that attracts new players and supports our long-term objectives. SYNOT Games’ track record in regulated markets makes them an ideal partner for sustainable growth and consistent value for our business and customers.”

The post SYNOT Games Partners with LiveScore Bet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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SAVE THE DATE! The Prestigious BEGE AWARDS 2025 are coming on November 26th!

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BALKAN GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPO (BEGE) is excited to announce the date for this year’s highly anticipated event: the BEGE AWARDS 2025 will take place on November 26th in Sofia, Bulgaria. This premier occasion celebrates excellence, innovation, and achievement within the industry, bringing together nominated companies, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners for an unforgettable evening.

The event promises a glamorous award ceremony recognizing outstanding accomplishments, complemented by a themed party designed to elevate the celebration. Attendees will have the opportunity to support meaningful causes, as participating companies will be announced for their donations during the evening.

Following the awards, guests can look forward to the legendary BEGE PARTY, a high-energy celebration featuring great music, vibrant entertainment, and a lively atmosphere that will truly bring down the roof.

The night will also include delicious food, refreshing drinks, and numerous opportunities for networking with industry leaders and peers. BEGE aims to create an engaging experience filled with surprises and memorable moments.

Nominations for the awards will open soon, and official invitations with further details will be sent out shortly.

Save the date, and stay tuned for more updates!

The post SAVE THE DATE! The Prestigious BEGE AWARDS 2025 are coming on November 26th! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Amusnet Supports BBLF Annual Meeting with Diplomatic Corps, Reinforcing Long-Term Commitment to Responsible Business in Bulgaria

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As part of its long-standing partnership with the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF), Amusnet supported the 9th Annual Meeting between BBLF and the Diplomatic Corps, held on June 26 in Sofia. The high-profile event brought together ambassadors from over 30 countries, senior executives representing more than 45 companies, and key government officials under the theme “Bulgaria as an Investment Destination.”

The forum served as a strategic platform for dialogue between the business community, the diplomatic sector and government institutions, focusing on strategies to attract, retain and support investors in Bulgaria. Discussions emphasised the country’s significant potential for innovation, economic development and international cooperation – particularly in the context of the country’s progress towards Eurozone and OECD membership.

Distinguished guests included Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolay Pavlov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Doncho Barbalov and Mila Nenova, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Investment Agency. The UK served as this year’s diplomatic partner, represented by British Ambassador Nathaniel Copsey.

“Supporting the BBLF Annual Meeting with the diplomatic corps fully aligns with Amusnet’s strategic vision of fostering a transparent, stable, and forward-looking business environment in Bulgaria. Our long-term collaboration with the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum reflects a shared commitment to high standards of corporate governance, responsible business conduct, and sustainable growth,” said Ivo Georgiev, CEO of Amusnet.

By sponsoring this key event, Amusnet reaffirms its commitment to advancing responsible business practices, fostering international collaboration and contributing to a stronger investment climate in Bulgaria. The company continues to stand behind initiatives that align with its corporate values of integrity, transparency and sustainable growth.

The post Amusnet Supports BBLF Annual Meeting with Diplomatic Corps, Reinforcing Long-Term Commitment to Responsible Business in Bulgaria appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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