North Macedonia’s Ministry of Finance has introduced new regulations governing giveaway games as part of the country’s updated Law on Games of Chance, which enters into force on 14 July 2026.
The new framework establishes a regulated system for organising giveaways for the first time, introducing mandatory permits, organiser fees, public disclosure requirements and clearly defined conditions for participation.
Under the new rules, organisers must obtain approval from the Ministry of Finance at least 30 days before the planned start of a giveaway. Applications must include details such as the giveaway rules, proof of prize origin, registration documents, financial information and evidence of a €100 application fee payment.
The legislation also introduces an organiser fee equal to 18% of the total prize fund value. The new Law introduces, for the first time, a legal definition of a giveaway as a game of chance.
This is a part of a wider gambling regulatory overhaul. The new law brings significant changes. Operators and industry employees argued that these could lead to around 10,000 job losses and a rise in illegal gambling activity. Government officials, however, say the reforms prioritise the public interest, particularly the protection of young people.
The law stipulates that gambling venues must be at least 500 metres away from primary and secondary schools. Among other measures, GPS-linking of machines and casinos with the Public Revenue Administration will also become mandatory.
Advertising that presents gambling as a pathway to personal success or financial gain will be prohibited.
Last year, the total turnover of the gambling industry in North Macedonia reached €2.83bn, according to data obtained by local media from the Public Revenue Office
