North Macedonia has transitioned from a private participation model in online betting to complete state control, marking the establishment of a monopoly over online gambling in the nation. The new Law on Games of Chance and Entertainment Games came into effect on July 14th, significantly altering the regulatory landscape that had been in place since 2011.
Previously, private operators could only run online gambling platforms through partnerships, with the state maintaining at least a 51% ownership stake and the ultimate decision-making authority. This model facilitated foreign investment in joint ventures with the state lottery while ensuring that gambling activity remained within licensed and taxed parameters, preventing players from seeking unregulated online options.
Following the parliamentary elections in May 2024, the newly elected government prioritized reforms in the online gaming sector. By September of that year, authorities began revoking licenses from several private operators, including NOVO VLT, Mozzart, 77 BITS, Vezuv, and 2Win.mk, among others.
Under the new legislation, private companies are prohibited from having any ownership interest in online gambling. Instead, the government will oversee the industry through a fully state-owned joint-stock company. While private firms are still permitted to operate within the online gambling sector, they can only do so as suppliers of technology or content, as the previous B2B licensing system has been eliminated. Additionally, casinos and slot clubs are now required to maintain a distance of at least 500 meters from both primary and secondary schools, and operators must comply with specific technical requirements before slot machines can be activated.
