Albania’s parliament recently voted to legalize online sports betting, overturning a blanket ban imposed in 2018. This decision marks a significant shift in the country’s stance on gambling and opens up new opportunities for both players and the industry as a whole.
With only ten selected companies being granted licenses, and strict regulations put in place, Albania aims to strike a balance between providing a regulated environment for gambling enthusiasts while mitigating the risks associated with addiction and criminal activities.
Albania’s decision to ban gambling in 2018 was driven by concerns over the industry’s rapid growth and its alleged connections to criminal networks. The ban came into effect on January 1, 2019, allowing only one casino to operate legally in the country.
Despite the ban, gambling activities continued to thrive, prompting Prime Minister Edi Rama to reconsider the government’s position in September 2022.
The parliament’s vote to legalize online sports betting was not without controversy. Opponents protested vehemently against the decision, highlighting concerns about the potential influence of organized crime and the social implications of gambling addiction.
Rigels Xhemollari, from the Tirana-based Qendresa Qytetare (Citizens’ Resistance) organization, expressed disappointment in the decision, referring to it as the “resumption of stupidity.”
Under the new law, online sports betting will be restricted to licensed entities operating through dedicated, authorized and monitorable websites, applications or electronic platforms. A special “Commission of Licenses” will be responsible for selecting the ten companies that will receive licenses. These companies must meet specific criteria and adhere to programs designed to protect players, as approved by the ministers responsible for finance and social affairs.
Rama justified the government’s decision to legalize online sports betting by acknowledging the difficulty of curbing online gambling activities entirely. Despite the ban, gambling continued to flourish, with high-profile elements of organized crime profiting unreasonably from illicit activities. Rama’s openness to this solution stems from a desire to regulate an activity that would otherwise be carried out by individuals breaking the law.
The Albanian government has long been battling illegal gambling activities. In 2013, they launched “End of the Madness,” an operation aimed at cracking down on the illegal gambling market. However, the industry continued to thrive, prompting the government to pass a new law in 2015 intended to reduce gambling activities. Paradoxically, this law only fueled the growth of the industry, leading to the complete ban in 2018.
The decision to legalize online sports betting has evoked mixed reactions from experts and the public. While some see it as a positive step towards regulating the industry and reducing the influence of criminal networks, others express concerns about the potential social consequences and the addictive nature of gambling. It remains to be seen how the new regulations and licensing process will effectively address these concerns.
The legalization of online sports betting is expected to have a significant impact on Albania’s economy. By providing a regulated environment, the government aims to attract reputable companies and generate substantial revenue through licensing fees and taxes. This move has the potential to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the country.
While the legalization of online sports betting presents new opportunities for the Albanian gambling industry, it also poses challenges that need to be addressed. Striking a balance between consumer protection, responsible gambling practices, and industry growth will be crucial. The government must ensure effective implementation and enforcement of regulations to prevent illicit activities and protect vulnerable individuals.
