Albania has adopted new casino regulations that will forbid all forms of casino gaming not conducted in casino resorts and hotels or online. The regulations take effect on January 1, 2019.
The Albanian government approved of the changes in October. The gaming industry is the second largest employer in the country.
Sports betting and slot machines will be closed on December 31 and after that only allowed online. Besides gaming at approved casinos, the lottery and bingo on television will also be legal.
The Albanian Gambling Supervision Authority will be suspended as the regulatory body is restructured. Recently the Authority estimated that only about half of those engaged in gaming actually report their revenues.
