North Macedonia Congressional Assembly adopts new games of chance law

The North Macedonia Congressional Assembly has approved the new Law on Games of Fortune and Amusement Games, stipulating that games of chance facilities must be at least 500 metres away from primary and secondary schools. 

Deputy Finance Minister Nikolce Jankulovski also confirmed that new legal solutions “significantly restrict” the advertising of casinos and bookmakers. Flashing ads are now prohibited in North Macedonia, while only a board with the editor's name will be allowed with no promotional messages.

Advertising that presents gambling as a pathway to personal success or financial gain will also be prohibited.

The bill introduces mandatory GPS-linking of machines and casinos with the Public Revenue Administration as well, helping to improve oversight and facilitate the detection of unlicensed vendors.

Jankulovski went on to stress that if weaknesses are eventually found within the application, the Ministry of Finance will then propose additional amendments.

The new Law on Games of Fortune and Amusement Games was passed with a 60-20 vote, although Amar Mecinović said his party did not support the bill because its amendments, which provided for complete restrictions on gambling advertising, were not accepted.

The Congressional Assembly also elected Christina Sofronijoska as Deputy Secretary-General of the Legislative Chamber and extended the state of crisis in part of the state during its legislative session. 

The Macedonian Parliament approved a Draft Law on Games of Chance that introduces stricter rules for gambling operators and expands responsible gambling measures on 12 June. 

Financial safeguards for operators will also be strengthened through higher bank guarantee requirements, alongside the implementation of Moneyval recommendations from the Council of Europe to improve anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing controls.