North Macedonia Closes Online Gambling Market to Private Operators

North Macedonia has reserved online gambling for a wholly state-owned company. Private businesses can remain involved only as suppliers chosen through public procedures.

The Act on Games of Chance and Entertainment Games was adopted by parliament on June 29 and entered into force on July 14. It replaces the legal framework in place since 2011 and ends the public-private model introduced for online gambling in 2012.

Reform Confirms an Earlier Market Exit

With the old arrangement, one was able to gain entry into the sector via companies where the state owned at least 51% of the company and retained decision-making rights. It allowed the entry of foreign operators into the regulated market without giving up government control.

The move was underway even before the introduction of the law. As early as September 2024, the government directed the cancellation of the private licenses for several online gambling services. These include NOVO VLT, Mozzart, 77 BITS, Vezuv and 2Win.mk.

MegaWin reportedly remained active because of pending legal disputes. The new law now removes the legal basis for private companies to operate online gambling products directly.

Suppliers Must Compete for State Contracts

Lottery, electronic, and online games covered by the monopoly will be organized through a joint-stock company wholly owned by the state. Technology companies and game developers can still come into the market, although the former B2B license approach has been scrapped.

In its place, the state operator can select external parties via calls for proposals or tenders. While private companies can provide services in terms of platform, content or operations, they cannot own or operate the gambling product offered to players.

Venue Rules Tighten

Land-based casinos, betting shops and slot clubs remain open to private operators under the licensing system. However, they have other requirements to comply with:

Casinos and slot clubs must be located at least 500 meters from primary and secondary schools;
Slot machines must be registered, sealed, technically inspected and fitted with GPS devices;

The school-distance and GPS requirements will apply from January 1, 2028. Other provisions are subject to separate transition periods.

The list of suitability check persons includes shareholders, partners, managers and members of supervisory boards. When a company has several gambling licenses, the minimum amount of capital should be kept for each of them separately.

Gambling Advertising Is Also Limited

Illuminated and flashing signs are now banned. Exterior advertising is generally limited to 30 by 100 centimeters, although larger signs remain permitted for certain casinos located within three kilometers of the national border. Gambling advertisements should not suggest that it is an opportunity to become rich, gain recognition or solve one’s personal problems.

Giveaways may fall under gambling regulation when likes, tags, shares, or content posts are required for entry and winners are selected by chance. Organizers of such events must obtain a permit and pay a fee equal to 18% of the total prize fund. The fee is due within three days of receiving the permit and before the giveaway begins.

State Platform Faces Offshore Test

The reform gives the state firmer control over the legal market, but the main test will come online. If the state platform offers a limited product, offshore sites may gain ground. Enforcement and platform quality will decide whether the monopoly contains unlicensed play or redirects customers toward it.