Balkans
Albania to Re-legalise Sports Betting from January 1
Albania is going to reintroduce legal sports betting as of 1 January 2023, four years after it, along with casinos and online gambling, was made illegal.
The decision, which has been on the cards since the summer, will bring much-needed revenue to the government, which faces a debt of over 90%, increasing pressure to subsidise rising energy costs, and calls to support the vulnerable amid the global crisis.
Effective as of the start of next year, sports betting games will now be legal, and it is estimated that some €17 million will be collected in tax each year.
All gambling, except a handful of licensed casinos, was prohibited as of 31 December 2018. Hundreds of betting shops and gambling sites were shut down, and efforts were made to block online sites.
However, gambling continued throughout the country in illegal betting and gambling shops, with arrests occurring almost weekly.
Momentum to legalise sports betting has been growing since August when a coalition of sporting stakeholders petitioned the government to ask for the reinstitution of regulated and supervised sports betting, arguing it can bring much-needed revenue to one of Europe’s poorest countries.
“We are not proposing to open the entire range of gambling, including electronic casinos or bingo halls. Our proposal includes total fiscal transparency, league-regulated online sports betting,” the petition states.
Stakeholders suggest that revenue generated from sports betting be used to support the country’s athletes. The petition specifies that betting should be allowed via certified operators, including local and international brands. In addition, they suggest an age limit and a maximum bet limit.
“The regulation of sports betting by law is a practice followed by many Western countries. In these countries, the income from sports betting is used to develop sports and sports infrastructure and to support the youth,” they argued.
Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the push stating that if the decision goes ahead, extreme conditions will be imposed, and all revenue will go to sports, culture and youth.
“We will look at this very positively; we will set extreme conditions…these are guaranteed by large international companies, which operate worldwide and operate in the European Union area.”
He added: “I have been obvious that these revenues, which we calculate to be many times more than what we contribute every year, go to sports, culture and youth, but very clearly and dedicatedly, the lion’s share, the sport will take it.”
Balkans
SYNOT Games Signs Strategic Partnership with Star Bet

SYNOT Games, a leading provider of premium casino solutions, has strengthened its presence in Serbia through a strategic partnership with Star Bet, one of the country’s most prominent brands.
Facilitated via SYNOT Interactive, this collaboration marks a significant milestone as the first and largest brand launched with BetOxygen, the operator behind Star Bet.
Through this integration, Star Bet players now have access to over 140 cutting-edge SYNOT Games titles, including fan favorites such as Aztec Jaguar, Amazons‘ Wonders, 27 Joker Fruits, and Book of Secrets. The partnership aims to elevate Star Bet’s gaming portfolio, delivering an unparalleled player experience with SYNOTS’s renowned mechanics and innovative game features.
SYNOT Interactive, the aggregation platform behind this launch, plays a crucial role in connecting top-tier gaming providers with operators worldwide. With seamless API integration and a diverse content offering, SYNOT Interactive enables partners like Star Bet to access a vast library of high-performing games while ensuring compliance with local regulatory frameworks.
“Our collaboration with Star Bet is a testament to our commitment to expanding in regulated markets. This launch, powered by SYNOT Interactive, allows us to deliver a premium gaming experience to Serbian players. We are thrilled to partner with such a strong brand and look forward to seeing our games resonate with the local audience,” said Martina Krajči, CCO of Synot Games.
“Integrating SYNOT Games into our platform is a significant step in enhancing our offering. Their games are widely recognized for their high-quality graphics, immersive gameplay, and engaging mechanics. We are confident that this partnership will drive growth and excitement among our players,” said Ivan Stojkovic, CEO of Star Bet.
The post SYNOT Games Signs Strategic Partnership with Star Bet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Balkans
Evoplay partners with Hrvatska Lutrija to expand reach in Croatia

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has partnered with Hrvatska Lutrija, to bring a selection of its top-performing titles to the Croatian operator’s online casino brand, Cro Casino.
The collaboration marks a significant step in Evoplay’s growth across regulated European markets and strengthens its presence in Croatia by going live with the country’s only authorised state lottery operator.
As part of the agreement, 12 Evoplay games are now available to Croatian players, with additional game launches expected in the coming months.
Among the initial selection is the studio’s standout title Penalty Shoot-out, a football-themed instant game that continues to perform strongly across multiple regions thanks to its easy-to-play format and competitive edge.
Founded in 1973, Hrvatska Lutrija operates as a state-owned company offering a full range of gaming products, including lottery games, sports betting, and casino content, both in retail locations and online. A trusted name in the Croatian market, the company plays a key role in funding national initiatives in sport, culture, and social welfare.
The launch of Evoplay’s portfolio has been facilitated through Intralot SA, Hrvatska Lutrija’s technology partner and a leading gaming solutions supplier and operator active in 39 regulated jurisdictions worldwide. Evoplay’s games have been integrated into Intralot SA’s Lotos X Omni platform, which is connected to the Bragg Hub aggregation platform.
This partnership supports Evoplay’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, certified content in regulated jurisdictions and engaging new audiences through trusted, local partners.
Ihor Zarechnyi, Chief Commercial Officer at Evoplay, said: “Partnering with Hrvatska Lutrija marks a key milestone in our expansion across Europe. As Croatia’s national lottery operator, Hrvatska Lutrija has a strong and established brand, and offers us a trusted platform to bring our games to a wider audience.
“We’re excited to launch with Cro Casino and deliver a range of engaging titles to players across the country.
Ignacije Čutura, Chief Executive Officer at Hrvatska Lutrija, added: “We’re delighted to partner with Evoplay and bring their innovative content to our players through Cro Casino. Their engaging titles align well with our focus on delivering high-quality, entertaining experiences.
“This collaboration marks an exciting step in strengthening our online offering and continuing to grow within Croatia’s regulated market.”
The post Evoplay partners with Hrvatska Lutrija to expand reach in Croatia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Balkans
Amusnet Celebrates Business Excellence as a Sponsor of the Forbes Business Awards 2025

Amusnet, a leading international all-casino solution provider, proudly took part in the Forbes Business Awards 2025 as an official sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to business excellence, strategic growth, and industry leadership. The event, recognized as one of the most prestigious and premium business forums in Bulgaria, took place on April 16 and gathered more than 200 distinguished guests, including senior executives, entrepreneurs, and influential figures from across the business landscape.
Held in an elegant setting in Sofia, the Forbes Business Awards 2025 celebrated companies and leaders who set the benchmark for success and resilience in their respective industries. With a strong focus on performance, vision, and impact, the ceremony once again confirmed its role as a key platform for recognizing outstanding achievements in the Bulgarian economy.
Amusnet CEO Ivo Georgiev presented the award in the Information and Communication Technology category – a sector that reflects Amusnet’s strategic focus. The award honors companies that demonstrate outstanding performance, consistency, and leadership in the ICT field. “Supporting the Forbes Business Awards aligns with our core values of dedication, excellence, and long-term vision,” commented Ivo Georgiev, CEO of Amusnet.
Amusnet’s presence at the event reflects the company’s clear vision to contribute to the development of the business ecosystem and celebrate excellence across industries. The company continues to expand across Europe and LATAM, bringing its comprehensive portfolio to new markets and clients, while further strengthening its position in existing ones. Amusnet remains focused on sustainable growth, building strong partnerships, and consistently delivering value on a global scale.
The post Amusnet Celebrates Business Excellence as a Sponsor of the Forbes Business Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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