North Macedonia tightens its grip on the gambling sector
North Macedonia has passed a new gambling law covering the sector of online gambling. This was approved on 29 June and came into force on 14 July, giving the state more control over the market and placing new requirements on operators.
The reform expands the role of the state, introduces new requirements for operators and, according to North Macedonia’s Ministry of Finance, is intended to improve oversight, transparency, and consumer protection. One of the most closely watched elements is the proposed model for organising the gambling sector in North Macedonia, which several observers have described as a form of state monopoly.
What the new law provides
The new law updates the rules applying to both land-based and digital gambling activities. Its main provisions include new licensing requirements, stricter technical obligations, and tighter controls on companies operating in the sector. The legislation also covers taxation, promotional activities, and the systems used to provide online gambling services.
Online operators are subject to specific requirements regarding technological infrastructure, data protection and transaction traceability. Technical analyses of the legislation cite, amongst other requirements, the use of a national .mk domain, the adoption of certain certifications and compliance with IT and security standards.
The reform also introduces specific costs and tax obligations for companies seeking to operate in the market. Operators must obtain the authorisations required by law and pay taxes calculated on gross gaming revenue, meaning the difference between the amounts wagered by players and the winnings paid out.
Why it is being described as a state monopoly
The most debated issue concerns the right to organise electronic and online gambling. According to an analysis published by law firm BDK Advokati, the new framework gives the state an exclusive role in organising certain categories of gambling. This right would be exercised through a company wholly controlled by the state.
This structure has led several specialist publications to describe the system as a state monopoly over online gambling. The term should, however, be used with caution. The implementing arrangements, any subsequent regulations, and the relationship between the state-owned company and private suppliers will determine how much room remains for commercial operators.
Private companies may continue to operate in the sector as providers of platforms, technology, payment systems, or other services. It is not yet entirely clear, however, to what extent they will be able to deal directly with consumers.
What changes for operators
For companies already active in the North Macedonian market, the new law could increase the cost and administrative burden of continuing to operate. In addition to the financial requirements, operators will need to adapt their technological and organisational systems. New certifications, player verification procedures, and more effective transaction monitoring tools may be required.
Particular attention will also be given to local presence and compliance with national rules. Operators that fail to meet the requirements within the prescribed transitional periods could be forced to stop operating in the country. The new model could therefore reduce the number of licensed companies and increase the role of state-owned or state-backed operators.
Government’s stated objectives
The Ministry of Finance has presented the reform as a necessary measure to modernise the sector and strengthen consumer protection. Its stated objectives include tackling illegal gambling, increasing oversight of financial flows, and improving protection for minors and vulnerable people.
The government also aims to make the market more transparent and strengthen controls over operators and financial flows. The reform is intended to improve the traceability of transactions, limit irregular practices, and simplify the work of the supervisory authorities.
Some questions remain open
The law changes how North Macedonia’s gambling market will operate, but some key points are still unclear. These include the role of private operators, how they will work with the state-owned company, and what the changes will mean for competition. It also remains to be seen whether the new system can curb illegal gambling without driving players to unlicensed sites.
For now, the country appears to be moving towards greater centralisation of the online gambling sector, with stronger controls and a central role for the state in managing the market and the changes that follow.
This article was originally published on the Italian SiGMA News page on 27 July 2026.
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