Data from North Macedonia’s Public Revenue Office has revealed that total turnover at land-based casinos, slot clubs and sports betting shops reached almost €1.6bn. For all of 2025, turnover from these activities was €2.8bn.
Local media have obtained and reported these figures, but as Global Gaming Insider understands, they do not represent total industry turnover. Media reports did not include State Lottery figures, which also operates the country's only online casino site.
Slot halls led the turnover, exceeding €1bn, followed by casinos at approximately €380m and betting shops at around €120m.
However, Macedonia’s gambling industry is about to undergo significant changes, which could easily reverse this recent growth trend. Deadlines are approaching for implementing new gambling regulations, including stricter ownership and advertising controls and a 500-meter school buffer from 1 January, 2028.
The changes to the framework also revealed a sharp divide between the gambling industry and the nation's government.
Operators and industry employees argued that the changes could lead to around 10,000 job losses and a rise in illegal gambling activity. Government officials, however, said the reforms prioritise the public interest, particularly protecting young people.
After the legislation passed, Global Gaming Insider spoke with Zoran Puhać, Secretary-General of the European Organisation for Gaming Law (EOGL), for his assessment of the changes.
Puhać criticised the law's rapid adoption, arguing that limited industry consultation led to overly restrictive measures. He echoed operators’ concerns that the 500-metre distance rule from schools, higher fees and restrictions on acquired rights could significantly impact land-based operators. He also claimed that affected operators may have grounds for international arbitration.
The recently passed law also limited the expansion of operating licenses, changed the taxation framework and introduced new fees for opening betting and payment outlets
