Police in Tirana have stepped up action against illegal gambling, targeting three venues in the Astir and Kombinat areas where mobile-based betting was taking place.
Several individuals were arrested or placed under investigation after officers discovered active sports betting during inspections inside the premises. One suspect remains wanted.
Mobile phones used in the activity were seized as evidence and the case has been referred to prosecutors for further action.
Last week, Albanian police also dismantled a series of illegal gambling operations across Tirana, Milot and Laç as part of a coordinated enforcement campaign.
In Tirana, under the codename “Gambling Luck,” authorities uncovered four premises that had been adapted for illegal gambling using electronic machines and poker tables.
Meanwhile, in Milot and Laç, three further premises were identified. Alongside illegal gambling, police also found evidence of drug distribution.
Albania has long struggled with illegal gambling, which local media describe as a well-organised market.
The country is now preparing to relaunch online sports betting following a 2019 ban on all forms of online and offline gambling, with limited exceptions for land-based casinos.
A regulatory framework for licensing has been established, and the process is expected to begin following an official announcement. The government has decided that no more than 10 licences will be issued nationwide.
The selection process will be competitive and managed by the Gambling Supervisory Authority (AMLF) in collaboration with a special Licensing Commission.
Although online sports betting was legalised in Albania in February 2024, the implementation of the supporting regulations has faced delays.
In 2024, the Albanian Special Prosecutor's Office Against Corruption and Organised Crime investigation exposed the involvement of senior police officials in illegal gambling, signalling widespread corruption
