Albania is set to reopen its online sports betting market. After the legalisation of online sports betting in 2024, the government encountered challenges, resulting in delays in drafting the necessary regulations. However, the technical standards for online sports betting operators in Albania were recently published in the Official Gazette.
According to the regulations, all players must register with operators by providing complete personal information, including a valid ID, address and contact details. Identity verification will be conducted through email or phone, and platforms must ensure that users are of legal age to prevent access by minors.
Furthermore, platforms must ensure robust security through advanced protocols to prevent cyberattacks. Meanwhile, special attention is given to protecting personal data.
Authorities will monitor financial transactions in real time. Operators must register with state monitoring systems to enable automatic reporting of all bets, winnings and payments.
From a technical standpoint, systems must ensure continuous 24/7 operation, with a secure infrastructure, backup copies and emergency recovery plans. The Gambling Supervision Authority will have a central role in monitoring and auditing operators' platforms.
Looking ahead, several market challenges persist, including a history of corruption as revealed by SPAK investigations in 2024. Additionally, a well-structured illegal gambling market has been reported by local media.
The combination of corruption, delays, and established illegal operators may hinder the effectiveness of new regulations unless they are accompanied by strict enforcement and oversight.
Nevertheless, the presence of a sophisticated illegal market indicates strong demand, suggesting that a legal alternative could generate considerable revenue if regulations are properly enforced.
Albania had previously imposed a ban on all forms of online and offline gambling in 2019, with only a few exceptions for land-based casinos
