Montenegro Starts Review of Youth Gambling Protections
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Loading... - Ashley Flores
- 31 Mar 2025
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Montenegro is taking significant steps to enhance protections against youth gambling as the parliament has ordered a comprehensive review of existing measures aimed at preventing underage gambling and mitigating gambling-related harm among young people. The review will be conducted by the Montenegro gambling regulator, UIS, in collaboration with the Montenegrin Olympic Committee (COK).
Joint Action Plan for Responsible Gambling
A memorandum signed by COK president Dušan Simonović and UIS interim director Spasoje Papić outlines the framework for this initiative. The two agencies will work together to develop a joint action plan that proposes new rules, standards, and practices to promote responsible gambling and minimize risks associated with gambling among the youth.
As part of this initiative, the agencies will also implement educational programs, including classes and workshops in schools, sports clubs, and universities, aimed at raising awareness about the risks of gambling and promoting responsible behavior.
Research and Reporting
The review will include research into the exposure of young people to gambling advertising, particularly on social media and other online platforms. An annual report will be produced to provide updates on new initiatives and the effectiveness of the measures implemented. The agencies emphasized that this memorandum marks a significant step towards improving cooperation between the sports sector and relevant institutions in the field of gambling, reflecting a commitment to creating a safer and healthier environment for young people.
Recent Regulatory Changes
In recent years, Montenegro has made several changes to its gambling regulations. Last year, the government increased license fees for land-based casinos from €50,000 to €100,000 and introduced a 10% base tax on online gambling revenue after payouts. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance proposed a 15% tax on customer winnings, although this proposal faced scrutiny and was ultimately dropped.
The government also considered limiting payment options for online gambling to cash deposits only, but this proposal was met with strong opposition from the gaming industry, which argued that it contradicted European anti-money laundering objectives.
Future Legislation
Looking ahead, Montenegro plans to introduce its first dedicated gambling legislation since gaining independence from Serbia in 2006. The government aims to implement this legislation by 2027, with a strong focus on protecting minors and ensuring responsible gambling practices. Feedback from relevant agencies and stakeholders will be sought to inform the development of this legislation.
Montenegro's review of youth gambling protections represents a proactive approach to addressing the potential risks associated with gambling among young people. By collaborating with the Olympic Committee and implementing educational initiatives, the government aims to foster a safer environment for its youth. As Montenegro moves towards establishing comprehensive gambling legislation, the emphasis on protecting minors will be a critical component of its regulatory framework.
