Seven Balkan Associations Form Regional Gaming Federation

Seven national gaming associations from the Western Balkans have established the Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) to coordinate regional collaboration across the industry. The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Cooperation signed in Belgrade during a meeting hosted by the Association of Gaming Operators of Serbia.

The initiative was jointly driven by Serbia’s industry body and Association of Online Gaming and Gambling Operators in Bulgaria. It brings together associations from Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia.

Their role is to align policy discussions and industry priorities across multiple jurisdictions with differing regulatory systems.

Federation to focus on enforcement, policy alignment and industry growth

The BGF aims to unify the region’s industry voice across operators, suppliers and technology providers. A key objective is improving enforcement against illegal gambling through shared intelligence and coordinated action.

In a statement on Monday its said it aimed to leverage pooled expertise and resources to strengthen enforcement efforts against illegal gambling. It will also seek to combat unfair competition and facilitate the exchange of regulatory best practices, while conducting joint lobbying on legislative matters.

Beyond compliance, the federation plans to build partnerships, organise regional events and develop shared marketing initiatives to position the Western Balkans within Europe’s gaming market.

During the Belgrade meeting, members presented market analyses and outlined early contributions. The group also agreed on a provisional brand identity and began setting up internal communication structures to support future coordination.

Diverse regulatory environments shape regional priorities

This memorandum was initiated by the Serbian and Bulgarian industry associations, coinciding with current regulatory changes in the region. However, the countries involved operate under different regulatory conditions. Serbia and Romania have developed strong online gambling markets that attract international operators such as Bet365, Evoke and Superbet following its acquisition of Maxbet.

Croatia and Bulgaria combine land-based casino activity with growing online sectors. Bosnia and Herzegovina presents a more fragmented regulatory structure, which the federation aims to address.

Furthermore, Bulgaria has introduced stricter sports betting rules, including a ban on betting among national football players and team personnel, after extending its self-exclusion period to one year. By March 2025, around 54,000 individuals had enrolled in the programme.

Croatia is developing a national self-exclusion system, while Montenegro is facing internal disputes over proposed tax reforms.

Positioning within Europe and next steps for the federation

A central topic at the Belgrade meeting was the BGF’s relationship with EUROMAT, where some associations are already members.

Participants agreed to position the Balkan Gaming Association as a distinct regional cluster maintaining links with European organisations, while developing its own identity.

The group has scheduled its next meeting for 26 May, to coincide with the Belgrade Future Gaming exhibition. Organisers expect to finalise governance arrangements and appoint a president by autumn 2026.