Key Moments:
- The Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) has been formed by seven national gaming associations from the Western Balkans.
- Serbia’s gaming industry generated over €214 million ($247 million) in 2024, with Serbian-developed games reaching nearly 300 million downloads worldwide.
- Bulgaria recorded 54,000 self-exclusion enrollments since March 2025, as part of a new one-year voluntary program.
Formation of a Regional Coalition
Seven gaming industry associations from the Western Balkans have joined forces to establish the Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF), intending to enhance cooperation and advance the gaming sector across the region. The official Memorandum of Cooperation was signed during a meeting in Belgrade, initiated by the Association of Gaming Operators of Serbia (AGOS) and co-sponsored by Bulgaria’s Association of Online Gaming and Gambling Operators (AOGGAB).
Strategic Coordination and Industry Growth
The agreement brings together organizations representing a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders from Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia. These national entities remain autonomous, but BGF will facilitate joint action in regional policy, compliance, and commercial efforts.
The Balkan region’s gaming sector has been expanding swiftly. Serbia and Romania, in particular, have reported substantial progress in the online gaming space. In 2024, Serbia’s gaming sector accrued over €214 million ($247 million), and Serbian-created games amassed nearly 300 million downloads globally.
The workforce in the sector surged by 98 percent in 2023, reaching 4,300 professionals, a growth partly attributed to talent from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Currently, roughly 150 companies and teams are active, with 57 percent working on original intellectual property, according to media sources.
Core Goals and Activities of BGF
The BGF aims to leverage collective expertise and resources to address illegal gambling activities, challenge unfair competition, standardize regulatory practices, and jointly advocate on legislative issues. The federation also plans to foster regional business partnerships, organize industry events, and coordinate marketing campaigns to boost the Western Balkans’ visibility within Europe.
During their latest meeting, participants discussed regional market trends, finalized a provisional brand identity, and set up communications channels for upcoming initiatives.
Market Context and Recent Developments
The coalition emerged from cooperation between Serbian and Bulgarian associations, coinciding with ongoing regulatory reforms across the Western Balkans. The represented countries demonstrate a range of gambling market characteristics. While Serbia and Romania have seen strong online gambling growth and attracted significant international operators including Bet365, Evoke, and Superbet (through its Maxbet acquisition), Croatia and Bulgaria have a well-established land-based casino presence now expanding online.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is highlighted as a challenge due to its fragmented regulatory system, and Montenegro is noted for ongoing discussions related to tax reforms.
| Country | Market Focus | Recent Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Serbia | Online Gambling | €214 million ($247 million) in 2024 revenue |
| Romania | Online Gambling | Attracts global operators |
| Croatia | Land-based and Online Expansion | National self-exclusion scheme in preparation |
| Bulgaria | Land-based and Online | 54,000 self-exclusions since March 2025 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Regulation Fragmentation | Complex compliance challenges |
| Montenegro | Policy Debate | Tax reforms under discussion |
| North Macedonia | Industry Participant | Part of BGF |
Regulatory Shifts in the Region
Industry developments in Bulgaria include a ban on sports betting for national football players and staff, alongside a self-exclusion program with 54,000 registrants since March 2025. Croatia is preparing its own national self-exclusion program.
European Integration and BGF’s Distinct Position
BGF’s relationship with EUROMAT, the European Gaming and Amusement Federation, was also discussed. While some BGF members are already part of EUROMAT, there was consensus to maintain BGF as a separate group with a clear Balkan identity, while following European guidance.
- Author
Daniel Williams
