Serbian Finance Ministry Opposes New Distance Limits for Betting Shops

A heated debate has erupted in the Serbian parliament over proposed changes to the country's gambling laws. MPs Vaso Obradović and Milica Rondović from the New Serbian Democracy (NSD) party introduced an amendment seeking to mandate a minimum distance of 80 metres between new betting facilities. Their goal was to protect the social environment and achieve a medium-term reduction in the number of gambling venues. However, Finance Minister Novica Vuković has officially urged MPs not to support the measure, claiming it would lead to an unfair playing field without actually solving the issue of gambling density.

The core of the conflict lies in the principle of equal treatment for market participants. The proposed rule would only apply to new branches, allowing established betting shops to continue operating regardless of their proximity to one another. According to the Ministry of Finance, this would turn the current situation into a permanent advantage for existing businesses. It would essentially lock in the current market structure and prevent any new competition from entering densely populated areas, which contradicts fair market practices.

Numbers and facts

Official figures from Serbia's Games of Chance Administration suggest that the market is already undergoing a transformation without the need for additional spatial restrictions. Currently, there are 50 venues holding licenses for slot machines, down from a peak of 61 in 2024. The land-based betting sector has remained relatively stable, with the number of outlets fluctuating between 18 and 20 since 2018. Furthermore, only two land-based casinos are currently operational in the country. The Ministry maintains that legislation established in 2025 is already achieving the desired results, including the seizure of illegal machines and strict sanctions for non-compliant advertising.

"The proposed amendment does not achieve the goal that its proponents publicly advocate. Instead of reducing the concentration of betting facilities, it practically turns the existing situation into a permanent market advantage for those that are already operating." - Novica Vuković, Minister of Finance of Serbia

Background

The push for stricter distance rules is not coming from politicians alone; the Parents' Association in Serbia has also voiced similar demands. They point to neighboring countries and EU member states where distance restrictions are a common tool for social protection. Despite this pressure, the Serbian government recently accepted the Ministry of Finance's critical stance during a session. The Ministry insists that the real priority should be closing the space for the shadow economy and ensuring that control mechanisms are strengthened for everyone who operates within the law. A broader review of the Law on Games of Chance is currently under consideration in parliament to tackle illegal gambling more effectively.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the Serbian debate reflects a global trend towards stricter spatial and operational regulation. However, Germany's GlüStV 2021 is far more restrictive than anything currently proposed in Belgrad. In Germany, minimum distances for land-based venues are often set at 500 metres from schools or other gambling sites. For those playing online, look only for casinos on the GGL whitelist. These platforms offer legal protection, but they also enforce a 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit and a 1 Euro per spin stake limit. While Serbian players face a fragmented regulatory landscape, German players benefit from a uniform system via LUGAS and OASIS, even if it feels restrictive to some.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos operating under the German GGL license value regulatory consistency. The situation in Serbia highlights the danger of "grandfathering" rules that exempt existing players from new requirements. In the German market, the GGL ensures that every licensed operator adheres to the same set of rules, regardless of when they entered the market. This level playing field is crucial for long-term investment. Serbian operators might face years of uncertainty if discriminatory laws are passed, whereas GGL-licensed casinos in Germany operate under a clear, albeit strict, legal framework that prioritizes player safety and fair competition across the board.