Montenegro’s new Law on Games of Chance, which took effect on August 14, introduces modern measures aimed at stronger oversight, responsible business practices, and a stable institutional framework, the Ministry of Finance announced.
This is the first comprehensive regulation of the sector in over two decades, replacing an outdated legal framework with a system that enhances supervision, sets clear rules, and strengthens public interest protections. The law was developed over nearly two years through consultations with industry representatives, regulators, and civil society, balancing differing interests while focusing on preventing abuse, combating money laundering, and reducing the risk of addiction.
A key change is the regulation of advertising, which previously lacked any self-regulation or sufficient legal basis. The new law sets clear limits to reduce aggressive marketing and better protect vulnerable groups, especially minors, in line with international best practices. These provisions are already in force, with stakeholders informed during the public consultation phase.
The Ministry stressed that similar advertising restrictions exist in many European countries and that the rules apply only to future cases, ensuring legal certainty.
The reform process also strengthened IT monitoring systems, expanded inspection powers, and established a cooperative approach between regulators and the industry, with public interest as the priority. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to improving transparency, ensuring responsible sector regulation, and securing long-term benefits for both the economy and citizens.
