Key Moments:
- Serbia’s Ministry of Finance rejects proposed limitations on new betting outlet locations
- Officials argue that the distance rule would favor existing operators and hinder new market entrants
- Licensed slot machine venues in Serbia have fallen from 61 in 2024 to 50, according to government data
Debate Over New Betting Shop Regulations
The Serbian government is at odds with a parliamentary initiative that seeks to impose minimum-distance requirements for new betting shop openings. Lawmakers Vaso Obradović and Milica Rondović from Serbian Democracy (NSD) have advocated for a rule mandating that any new betting venue be located no less than 80 metres from another gambling facility. They claim this step will help systematically reduce the proliferation of betting outlets.
Finance Ministry Raises Concerns Over Competitive Fairness
Novica Vuković, who leads the Ministry of Finance, urges parliamentarians to oppose the proposed restriction. Ministry officials argue that the measure would solely constrain future entrants, letting current operators remain unaffected even if their locations violate the new limitations.
From this perspective, entrenched businesses would continue their operations undisturbed, perpetuating the current distribution of venues and restricting competition. The ministry emphasizes that such a policy risks granting an unfair commercial edge to those already established in the market. Officials further contend that imposing this rule only on newcomers does not respect the principle of equal treatment within the sector.
Existing Measures and Market Dynamics
Rather than adopting additional location-based restrictions, the Ministry of Finance highlights reforms passed in August 2025 as sufficient. They point to a decrease in licensed slot machine venues, stricter actions against unlicensed gaming machines, and fines for advertising violations as proof that recent policies are effective.
| Venue Type | Licensed Venues (Current) | Licensed Venues (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Slot Machine Venues | 50 | 61 |
| Betting Outlets | 18 | 18-20 (range since 2018) |
| Casinos | 2 | Not specified |
Data from the Games of Chance Administration show that Serbia now has 50 licensed slot machine locations, compared to 61 reported in 2024. The nation maintains 18 licensed betting outlets, which has continually ranged between 18 and 20 since 2018. There are also two casinos holding valid licenses.
Focus on Illegal Gambling and Enforcement
In lieu of imposing further restrictions on legal operators, lawmakers are reviewing alternative amendments intended to target illegal gambling activities. The Finance Ministry reiterates its commitment to greater regulatory oversight, improved control measures, and constraining illicit operations, all while maintaining a level playing field for licensed businesses.
- Author
Daniel Williams
