Balkan Gaming Federation Appoints Dragan Skrbić as Inaugural President

The gambling industry in Southeastern Europe is consolidating its political representation. In Bucharest, Romania, the Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) met to officially appoint its first leadership team. This step follows the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in Belgrade six months ago and marks a new phase of professionalization for the federation, which unites seven countries in the region. At a time when legal operators in countries like Romania and Croatia are struggling with increasingly strict requirements and rising taxes, the BGF aims to serve as a unified voice.

Dragan Skrbić, who is already known as the president of the Serbian gaming association AGOS, was elected as the BGF's first president. He is supported by two vice presidents: Filip Jelavić, secretary general of the Croatian association Hupis, and Sorin Georgescu, president of the Romanian organization Romslot and vice president of Fedbet. This personnel lineup reflects the intention to involve the region's most important markets directly in decision-making processes. The new leadership will make its first joint appearance at the Gaming Industry Gala Dinner – New Horizons on November 24 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Numbers and facts

The meeting in Bucharest lasted two days, beginning on September 29 with a working meeting attended by the Euromat board. Euromat President Jason Frost was personally present for the election, highlighting the significance of the new federation at a European level. The BGF represents stakeholders from Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia. This alliance is a reaction to the precarious situation of many land-based casinos. In Romania, for instance, the sector is suffering from new laws banning slot machines in small towns, while Bulgaria has introduced an almost total ban on gambling advertising.

The economic importance of the legal industry is immense but is often threatened by the growing black market. In Montenegro, experts like Miloš Lalević warn that licensed operators should not be seen as part of the problem but as part of the solution. Lalević emphasized the investments in player protection and anti-money laundering systems that only legal companies can provide.

"Licensed operators should not be viewed as part of the problem – they should be recognized as part of the solution. They are the entities that invest in compliance, responsible gambling programmes, consumer protection, technological innovation and anti-money laundering systems." - Miloš Lalević, Vice President of GPIS Montenegro

Background

Pressure on the Balkan region is steadily growing. While Croatia is currently planning a comprehensive reform with stricter rules for player identification and self-exclusion systems, operators there are also facing massive increases in licensing fees and taxes. The BGF, headquartered in Croatia, aims to promote a dialogue with governments based on facts rather than outdated perceptions. The federation also plans to organize a major roundtable with Balkan regulators to intensify the exchange between state authorities and the industry. There are fears that excessive restrictions could drive players directly into the arms of illegal offshore providers who offer no protection.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the consolidation of associations in the Balkans has no direct impact on the local legal situation, but it illustrates a Europe-wide trend toward strict regulation. In Germany, the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) is the ultimate standard. While operators in the Balkans complain about new taxes, German players are already accustomed to the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros via the LUGAS system. The stake limit of 1 euro per spin for online slots is also a German specific intended to strengthen player protection. Anyone wishing to play safely in Germany must ensure the provider is on the white list of the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). Just as the BGF fights the black market in the Balkans, the GGL also takes massive action against illegal online casinos that do not have a German license.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

GGL-licensed operators in Germany can see the developments in the Balkans as confirmation of the necessity of strong association work. The BGF is now trying to achieve what is already practiced in Germany by organizations such as the DOCV or DSWV: a constructive dialogue with the supervisory authority. For companies active in both Germany and Southeastern Europe, the election of Dragan Skrbić means a stabilization of local contacts. It shows that the fight against the black market can only succeed if legal offers remain attractive. If regulation in the Balkans becomes too restrictive, international corporations could focus their resources more on the stable, albeit strictly regulated, German market.