The European Progress Party (SEP) has expressed deep concern over the proposed Gambling Law, which grants the Montenegrin government complete discretion in spending the revenue generated from gambling, without clear restrictions or earmarking of funds for public interest projects.
“The proposed law not only moves Montenegro away from European practices of transparent management of such revenues but also sends a troubling message that citizens, social support, and the development of social values are not a priority,” SEP stated.
According to the party, the bill allows the government to use gambling revenue at its discretion, without any obligation to invest in areas such as support for social and humanitarian initiatives, mental health protection, culture and sports, or addiction prevention—key public interests that such funds typically support in most European countries.
“Unlike the practices in neighboring countries and across Europe, where gambling revenues are directed towards community development, the proposed law in Montenegro allows this money to be funneled directly into the state budget with no restrictions. Examples from neighboring countries like Croatia and Serbia show that even with limited budgets, governments have recognized the importance of transparent investment of gambling revenue in projects of broader societal significance, especially in areas that directly impact the quality of life of citizens,” SEP pointed out.
The party argued that the bill, according to its explanation, is primarily designed to offset budget deficits, while completely ignoring the broader societal consequences, including the stability of society, addiction prevention, youth sports, and care for socially vulnerable groups.
SEP believes this approach reflects a deep disregard for the public interest and exacerbates social inequality, as gambling revenues, which have significant societal consequences, are being used to plug budget gaps rather than support vulnerable groups or prevent addiction.
The European Progress Party is calling for gambling revenues to be directed toward clearly defined public interest projects.
“By investing in healthcare, education, youth sports, and social projects, the government can demonstrate genuine care for its citizens and avoid further marginalizing the most vulnerable groups. We urge the government to urgently withdraw the draft law in its current form and ensure that these funds are allocated towards real public interest, not political or fiscal goals that are completely disconnected from the needs of the community,” the party concluded.
