On 1 August 2025, Montenegro enacted the New Games of Chance Law, replacing its outdated concession-based system with a modernised approval model. This marks the most significant overhaul of the Montenegro gambling law in over two decades, aligning the country more closely with EU expectations on compliance, fiscal transparency, and consumer protection.
Key Insights
At the core of the Montenegro games of chance regulation, operators must now undergo stricter approval procedures with clearly defined obligations and enhanced oversight. Real-time digital monitoring, mandatory player identification, and video verification are central features designed to trace financial flows and prevent under-the-table transactions.
The law introduces major safeguards: underage betting is criminalised, gambling venues face distance restrictions from schools, and operators are required to support addiction treatment programmes. The Montenegro gambling advertising ban extends to all television and radio broadcasts between 06:00 and 22:00, including live sports, while misleading promotions and “free money” claims are strictly prohibited.
The licensing regime now carries higher financial thresholds. The Montenegro gambling licence system increases fees moderately, but online operators will also face a new online gambling tax Montenegro of 10% on net gaming revenues. Player winnings above €300 are taxed at 15% personal income tax, collected directly at payout.
Compliance expectations have risen substantially. The framework enforces AML gambling compliance Montenegro, requiring stricter reporting, regular audits by the Ministry of Finance, and closer alignment with European anti-money laundering directives.
Industry reactions remain mixed. While the government promotes the law as a milestone in fighting the grey economy, Montenegrobet and other stakeholders warn of disproportionate requirements that could deter investment, shrink the legal market, and inadvertently boost unlicensed operations.
Nevertheless, the reform underscores Montenegro’s intent to strengthen institutional capacity and demonstrate progress on its EU accession path. The balance between consumer protection, fiscal policy, and market sustainability will determine whether the law enhances or undermines the country’s gambling sector.
The law introduces major safeguards: underage betting is criminalised, gambling venues face distance restrictions from schools, and operators are required to support addiction treatment programmes. The Montenegro gambling advertising ban extends to all television and radio broadcasts between 06:00 and 22:00, including live sports, while misleading promotions and “free money” claims are strictly prohibited.
The licensing regime now carries higher financial thresholds. The Montenegro gambling licence system increases fees moderately, but online operators will also face a new online gambling tax Montenegro of 10% on net gaming revenues. Player winnings above €300 are taxed at 15% personal income tax, collected directly at payout.
Compliance expectations have risen substantially. The framework enforces AML gambling compliance Montenegro, requiring stricter reporting, regular audits by the Ministry of Finance, and closer alignment with European anti-money laundering directives.
Industry reactions remain mixed. While the government promotes the law as a milestone in fighting the grey economy, Montenegrobet and other stakeholders warn of disproportionate requirements that could deter investment, shrink the legal market, and inadvertently boost unlicensed operations.
Nevertheless, the reform underscores Montenegro’s intent to strengthen institutional capacity and demonstrate progress on its EU accession path. The balance between consumer protection, fiscal policy, and market sustainability will determine whether the law enhances or undermines the country’s gambling sector.
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