Albania gives AMLF control over gambling special fund

Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved new rules for the administration of the special fund created from gambling activity revenues, placing technical and financial responsibility with the Gambling Supervisory Authority (AMLF). 

The decision sets procedures for collecting, verifying, financing, monitoring and controlling use of the fund, which forms part of Albania’s wider effort to rebuild gambling oversight as the country prepares to reopen its online sports betting market.

AMLF will administer the dedicated bank account, record receipts and payments, track unpaid liabilities and verify financial documentation before funds are released for approved projects. 

The fund can only be used for projects approved by the Project Support Council. The rules prohibit spending that is not directly connected to an approved project and prevent duplicate financing where the same activity is already supported by other budgetary sources. 

Payments will be made through the banking system and must be supported by the council’s approval decision, a financing contract and financial documentation from the beneficiary.

AMLF will also exchange information with Albania’s tax administration and other institutions to check whether declarations and payments are accurate. If irregularities are identified, or if funds are used outside the approved purpose, AMLF must suspend payments, seek repayment of improperly received funds and may terminate the financing contract.

The decision adds a transparency requirement, with AMLF expected to publish periodic data on revenues collected, expenses incurred, disbursements, beneficiaries and the purpose of each project. An annual financial administration report will also be published and subject to internal audit.

The fund sits within Albania’s broader regulated online betting model, which allows up to 10 online sports betting licences nationwide. The framework requires licence applicants to meet financial, technical, experience and compliance standards, with market access handled through a competitive process.

Earlier this year, Global Gaming Insider reported that Albania had set the licensing rules for online sports betting operators, including a 100-point assessment method covering economic offers, sector experience, risk management, technical systems and business plans.