The Ministry of Finance of Montenegro has emphasized that its aim is to regulate the gambling sector in a way that balances the interests of the state, operators, and players, without harming the industry or the media. This is part of an ongoing effort to address issues that have been neglected for nearly two decades.
The Ministry recently launched a public consultation on the Draft Law on Gambling, which has attracted significant interest, particularly from gambling operators and media. The proposed law includes new provisions on gambling advertising, which have sparked some concerns, particularly regarding fees and restrictions on promotions.
The Ministry clarified that claims about a tenfold increase in fees are inaccurate, as the overall fees (both fixed and variable) are part of a broader system. It also stressed that Montenegro is one of the few countries in the region that applies variable fees, without imposing a minimum fee, a practice that will continue under the new law.
Regarding advertising, the Ministry pointed out that most EU countries have stricter regulations than those proposed in Montenegro’s draft law. The Ministry also clarified that it does not plan to impose stricter rules on sponsorship of sports events, which are banned in some countries.
The Ministry is committed to fully consulting all relevant stakeholders during the public consultation period, which has been extended, and will consider all feedback before finalizing the law. It also welcomed the input from operators and media, acknowledging the link between media survival and gambling advertising. The goal is to create a law that benefits all parties involved while ensuring better regulation of the sector.
