New Bill Looks to Introduce Stricter Controls in Serbian Gambling Space

Serbia could soon revamp many aspects of its gambling industry if a bill introduced by the nation’s Finance Minister Siniša Mali survives in the National Assembly.

The bill contains rules and controls relating to the provision of gambling services both online and at brick-and-mortar facilities and the taxation of online gambling services, among other things.

Under the new bill, Serbia would hike taxes on online sports betting and casino-style gaming from 5% of gross revenue on all verticals to 15% for sports betting and 10% for other digital gambling products.

The Serbian Ministry of Finance has explained that wagering products would be subjected to higher tax rate because 75% of sports betting turnover comes from online wagers, while only 25% of gaming turnover comes from online games.

Retail Market Revamp

Minister Mali’s bill also includes proposed changes in the provision of gambling services at brick-and-mortar facilities around the country, including betting shops and casinos.

Under Serbia’s Gambling Act of 2011, only two land-based casinos are allowed to operate on the territory of the Balkan nation. Minister Mali’s recently tabled bill allows for the addition of up to 10 new casinos.

If enforced as a law, the bill would enable the government to issue up to 10 casino licenses, each valid for a 10-year period. Interested operators will be required to pay a license fee set at a €500,000 minimum.

The gambling legislation would introduce restrictions on the location of new slot machines and betting shops. Such venues would not be permitted to be located within 200 meters from schools and within 100 meters from one another.

The proposed rule on the location of betting and gaming facilities would only apply to new sites.

Advertising Restrictions, Staff Training, and New Surveillance System

Under Minister Mali’s bill, gambling ads will be required to feature a reminder that minors must not engage in gambling activities as well as an addiction prevention warning. In addition, staff at gambling operations will receive specific training to prevent customers from becoming gambling addicts and help those that already suffer from gambling-related issues.

The bill proposes the establishment of an electronic surveillance system that would detect unauthorized gambling websites. Any illegal operations will then be shut down by the Serbian Gambling Authority.

Danica Bukvic, a politician from Serbia’s Socialist Party, said during the debate that followed the introduction of the gambling bill that “we are witnessing breaches of the rules and the fact is that children are betting and giving money to adults to pay for them to bet.” The legislator went on that she supports the introduction of strict controls that would prevent issues associated with gambling.

Source: Serbia aims to raise online taxes, expand casino gaming

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