Some members of the ruling party of the Albanian government as well as the opposition party are resisting its efforts to reintroduce online gaming, Yogonet reported September 18.
The country banned all forms of gambling in 2019, only accepting a few brick-and-mortar casinos. Then in 2022 the government introduced a proposal to legalize online wagering through a new set of laws.
The draft for the new framework was presented by Deputy Finance Minister Vasilika Vjero to the Parliamentary Committee for Economy and Finance.
It was greeted skeptically because of fears of the risk of money laundering and other legal loopholes, according to EURACTIV. Vjero said the bill had been drafted after consulting with various stakeholders, interest groups and sports groups. He said funds from licensing would be earmarked for the sports sector.
One of the critics, MP Erion Brace, said the consultation process was inadequate and should have include input from those harmed by gambling.
According to Yogonet, he stated, “This commission has the obligation to both demand accountability and provide a solution that does not lead back to the bandits.” He added, “this activity will also turn into a battle between those who are legal and those who are illegal.”
Another critic, Jorida Tabaku, said the proposal might impact the national lottery, financial institutions and the Financial Supervision Authority.
Others called for revising the draft to address criticisms of the tax rate. Some have doubted that the revived sector would bring in €1 billion as has been predicted.
One MP asked “Considering that bets will be online, non-cash payments, personal identification, player registration, do you think that those who gamble 95 percent of the value will come and gamble with us at this legal one?”
The proposal would only allow online gaming conducted by registered and licensed operators. They would be required to accept digital payments, register players and retain personal data for no less than three years.
Online sportsbooks will be required to pre-register players and store their data in such a way as to protect it.
Operators must be joint-stock companies based in Albania and shareholders must not be convicted felons or be subject to criminal proceedings.
