Serbia Demands Gambling Venue Inspections

Imagine a nation’s entire gambling sector placed under a magnifying glass by local authorities.

That’s exactly what’s happening in Serbia, where the government demands betting shops and gaming halls prove they meet new rules.

Picture local mayors checking age verification, anti-addiction steps, and tax payments before deciding whether licence holders can continue.

Keep reading to uncover why Serbia’s ramped-up oversight may reshape the country’s gambling market.

Serbia Cracks Down: Mayors Ordered to Inspect Gambling Venues for Compliance

3 Key Points

1. Serbia’s government told local mayors to review gambling licences in all municipalities.
2. Venues must enforce age checks and limit alcohol, ensuring safer experiences for at-risk players.
3. Green-Left Front campaigns for even stricter measures, including a ban on gambling ads.

Serbia Orders Checks on Gambling Venues

The government of Serbia has ordered local mayors to examine the licences of betting shops, gaming halls, and bingo halls. This move follows new measures in an amendment to the 2011 Law on Games of Chance. The official directive states authorities have until July 1 to verify compliance with customer protection and safety guidelines.

Local government authorities will assess crucial areas such as age verification procedures and the presence of warning signs regarding gambling addiction. Meanwhile, the State Attorney questioned why multiple gambling licences were issued in smaller rural towns, raising concerns about unchecked expansions.

Age Checks and Warning Notices

Critically, operators must deny minors the ability to bet, as mandated by Serbia’s updated laws. Warning notices about gambling addiction must be displayed prominently, plus posters listing certified treatment providers. Another notable rule curtails alcohol on-site: only drinks with less than 5% alcohol content are allowed when customers use slots or bet on sports.

Noncompliant venues face serious penalties. If discovered enabling underage bettors or violating other protective measures, licence holders risk losing the right to operate.

Focus on Taxes and Fees

Local authorities also need to verify that venues have paid the correct taxes. In Serbia, gaming halls pay a 15% tax on slots revenue. Betting shops pay the same percentage but must meet a monthly minimum fee of around €1,000 in dinar. Failing to remit these fees on time threatens operators’ ability to maintain a valid licence.

Mayors to File Reports

The State Attorney demands each mayor present the outcome of their inspections. This ensures consistent oversight across Serbia’s 29 districts and 190 municipalities. Lax compliance in any region could lead to mass closures or additional regulations.

Additional Calls for Stricter Measures

Meanwhile, the Green-Left Front (ZLF) advocates stronger reforms, such as a ban on gambling advertising. They argue smaller municipalities lack resources to gauge gambling addiction’s scope, leaving residents vulnerable. Opposition parties also criticize the system for insufficient checks and data collection about problem gambling rates.

Neighboring Changes and Regional Trends

Simultaneously, Bosnia and Herzegovina is debating forced closure of betting shops on Sundays. Lawmakers there believe shutting such venues aligns them with other weekend-closed businesses. From Serbia to Bosnia, governments show mounting resolve to tame gambling’s impact on communities.

Dennis Gratz, a Democratic Front representative in Bosnia’s House of Representatives, introduced an amendment for Sunday closures, aiming for implementation in November. This rule would likely deter impulsive or casual bettors, cutting weekend traffic for operators.

Serbia’s government is pressing local mayors to intensify gambling venue inspections, focusing on licensing, age checks, and harm prevention. Noncompliant operators may lose their licenses, especially if they fail to protect minors or pay required fees. As neighboring countries consider similar measures, the Balkan region’s gambling environment is transforming. Whether or not further restrictions follow, Serbia’s latest crackdown signals an ongoing effort to ensure responsible gambling and more tightly controlled market conditions.