North Macedonia: Civil groups warn gambling reforms could cut their funding

Civil organisations in North Macedonia have urged MPs not to support proposed amendments to the Law on Games of Chance and Entertainment Games, warning that the changes could remove key civil society groups from eligibility for funding linked to gambling revenues.

In a joint statement signed by the Network for Protection against Discrimination, the Platform for Gender Equality, the Macedonian Platform against Poverty and the National Network against Violence, the groups said the proposal is not a technical amendment but a serious precedent.

The organisations argue that the proposed amendments risk allowing funds intended for vulnerable communities to be distributed without clear and transparent criteria and without guarantees that they will reach organisations with experience, licensed services and direct work with citizens.

Their statement reads: “For decades, civil organisations have provided direct support to persons with disabilities, victims of domestic and gender-based violence, elderly and infirm people, children, young people, women, Roma and other communities in vulnerable situations.”

They urged lawmakers to either withdraw or revise the proposal and to hold a public debate involving civil society stakeholders.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Association of Employees in the Gambling Sector “I Want to Work” staged a protest in Skopje against proposed changes to gambling regulations, warning that new restrictions could force widespread closures of licensed venues and put thousands of jobs at risk.

According to the association, the proposed legislation was submitted to parliament without consultation with sector workers or consideration of their experience.

Organisers warned that if authorities continue to ignore their concerns, they are prepared to escalate protests further.

The association previously criticised the Government’s proposals for a 500-metre exclusion zone around schools, saying the measure is unworkable and would force widespread closures across the licensed sector.

In addition to new distancing measures, the Government’s proposals include restrictions on gambling advertising, including a ban on advertising outside business premises.