Online Sports Betting Now Legal in Albania

The Albanian Parliament has lifted the ban on online sports betting that was implemented in 2018. Moving forward, players in Albania will be able to place online sports bets with ten regulated operators who have obtained a license in the country. The decision on which operators will receive a license in Albania will be made by a licensing commission soon.

Legalization of Online Sports Betting

According to a report from BalkanInsight, the legalization of online sports betting in Albania will only permit wagering at regulated and state-monitored online operators, while the submission of betting slips at physical establishments will remain prohibited.

Previous Ban on Sports Betting

The decision to ban sports betting in Albania was made in 2018 due to concerns about criminal organizations exerting significant influence over the country’s gambling industry. This move aimed to protect players from illegal gambling operators and address the social issues arising from addiction.

Prime Minister’s Perspective

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama acknowledged the challenges of completely eradicating illegal gambling from the country and expressed openness to exploring ways to regulate and make gambling safer.

Conclusion

By lifting the ban on online sports betting, the Albanian government aims to create a secure and regulated gambling environment while addressing concerns about illegal gambling activities. This decision is a significant development for sports betting enthusiasts in Albania, as they await updates on which operators will be granted official gambling licenses.