Compliance Updates
Montenegro’s evolving legal landscape: recent amendments and controversies in games of chance regulation
Montenegro’s Law on Games of Chance (the “Law”) was enacted in 2004 and has undergone multiple amendments since. The most recent ones came into effect on 1 January 2024.
The aim of the amendments, as stated by the competent authorities, is to ensure a sustainable regulatory system for organising games of chance via the internet or other telecommunication means, as well as to generate additional revenue from these activities. This objective is to be achieved through measures aimed at establishing a variable concession fee for the organisation of online games of chance, a provision not envisaged in the prior legal framework in this area. Another measure to achieve the set goal is to introduce a ban on participation in foreign games of chance via the internet and other telecommunication means for which bets are paid on the territory of Montenegro.
To achieve these objectives through the proposed measures, several amendments to the Law have been proposed and adopted:
- The concept of organising games of chance through the internet or other telecommunication means has been clearly defined for the first time.
- A ban has been introduced on participation in foreign games of chance for which bets are paid within the territory of Montenegro, regarding the organisation of internet betting. Therefore, the competent authorities are now obliged to restrict access to the websites of gaming organisers who accept payments for games of chance from players in Montenegro, through the blocking of IP addresses by an independent regulatory body in the field of electronic communications, as well as the prohibition of all types of payments to foreign organisers. Furthermore, the competent authority is required to maintain and publish a list of unauthorised online gaming organisers ex officio.
- A higher annual fixed fee per casino has been introduced, now amounting to EUR 100,000 instead of the previous EUR 50,000. Additionally, the variable fee for organising games of chance in casinos has increased from 10 % to 15 % of the base.
- A prohibition on organising games in residential-commercial buildings has been introduced.
- A new regulatory framework has been established for the organisation of games of chance on the internet. The most significant changes involve defining the conditions and methods of player registration and identification, as well as establishing the obligation to pay the variable portion of the concession fee for organising betting games of chance over the internet, as well as for organising games of chance in virtual casinos and online slot games. The fee is calculated at a rate of 10 % of the base, which consists of the total amount of stakes reduced by the value of payouts and is paid by the fifteenth of the month for the previous month. The fixed part of the concession fee amounts to EUR 10,000 for all the aforementioned types of games of chance organised over the internet. Additionally, with the introduction of the new Article 68f of the Law, it is stipulated that payments for organising games of chance over the internet can only be made through payment cards or at the premises where games of chance are organised in accordance with the Law.
The new legislative solution has not escaped scrutiny from interested market participants, especially regarding the controversial Article 68f. There has been particular attention in the public sphere to the reactions of associations of gaming organisers, which, through various reviews, have questioned the justification, sustainability and legality of the provision stipulating that payments for organising games of chance over the internet can only be made through payment cards or at the premises where games of chance are organised.
In response to the reaction of the association of gaming organisers, a petition was initiated, gathering over 25,000 signatures. An initiative was subsequently submitted to the Montenegrin Parliament to repeal Article 68f. In addition, another initiative was lodged with the Constitutional Court of Montenegro to review the constitutionality of Article 68f.
The competent authorities are currently processing these initiatives. Meanwhile, legal experts and the general public eagerly await more answers to these legally and practically intriguing questions in the coming period.
Source: schoenherr.eu
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Compliance Updates
Digitain’s Paydrom Receives PCI DSS Certification

Digitain is proud to announce that its payment platform, Paydrom, has successfully achieved PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) certification. This certification marks a key step in Paydrom’s mission to provide a trusted and secure payment environment for its partners.
The PCI DSS certification is a globally recognized standard designed to ensure that companies processing, storing, or transmitting credit card information maintain a secure environment. By obtaining this certification, Paydrom demonstrates its dedication to safeguarding sensitive customer data and preventing fraud across its payment services.
Arin Andriazian, Chief of Paydrom Product, commented: “Receiving PCI DSS certification is a significant validation of the secure infrastructure we’ve built at Paydrom. In an industry where trust and reliability are non-negotiable, this achievement sends a clear message to the industry: the customers’ sensitive data are protected by world-class security standards.
As we continue to expand globally, maintaining the highest levels of data protection will remain central to our promise to every partner who relies on Paydrom.”
Arshak Muradyan, Group Chief Compliance Officer at Digitain, added: “The PCI DSS certification reflects our long-term vision to deliver a payment platform, along with the entire products portfolio of the Digitain Group in the gambling sphere, that is as efficient as it is innovative. From a compliance perspective, this certification is a critical milestone that strengthens the foundation built on transparency, consistency, and security. It ensures that our partners can rely on Paydrom and the Digitain Group’s solutions with full confidence, knowing that every transaction and product interaction upholds the highest standards of data integrity and protection. This achievement reaffirms our commitment to maintaining rigorous compliance standards essential for safeguarding sensitive payment data and sustaining trust across all our offerings”.
With this certification, Paydrom continues to offer businesses a safe and efficient way to manage their payments. The certification also assures partners and clients that Paydrom follows strict protocols to protect sensitive payment information.
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Compliance Updates
New Zealand Government Releases Refreshed Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm

The Minister for Mental Health in New Zealand, Matt Doocey, has announced that the Government has released the refreshed Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm.
“The updated strategy includes a targeted investment of over $81 million to improve access to support, strengthen prevention and early intervention and reduce the impact of gambling-related harm across New Zealand,” Mr Doocey said.
“We know that simply announcing strategies isn’t enough to make a material difference. We want New Zealanders to see real change and make progress, that is why as part of this strategy we’ve built in an independent review in 2025/26 to track what’s working, and what’s not.
“The strategy focuses on delivering timely, effective support for individuals, families and communities affected by gambling harm. Key areas of investment include increasing access to treatment and support, improving prevention and early intervention initiatives, and improving the effectiveness of support for those experiencing gambling harm.
“We know one of the biggest barriers to people accessing support is workforce, that is why the plan includes ways we will grow the gambling harm workforce. We will be creating up to 18 additional clinical internship places.
“It is expected these interns will be supported to develop gambling harm expertise by working closely with a supervisor in a clinical setting. This approach is necessary to bridge the gap between education and work and will give interns the practical experience needed to help people affected by gambling harm.
“Not only will this ensure more people can access help, but this will also support people who could otherwise struggle to meet the requirements to become registered clinicians.
“One in five New Zealanders will be affected by gambling harm in their lifetime—either directly or through someone they know. This can have devastating effects not only on individuals, but also on their families and wider communities.”
Services will be funded through the new Problem Gambling Levy Regulations, paid by non-casino gaming machine operators, casinos, TAB NZ and Lotto NZ. Work is also underway on how online casino operators will contribute under upcoming regulations.
The strategy was developed through a two-stage consultation process and strongly reflects the voices of people with lived experience.
“I want to thank those who shared their experiences with us. You’ve helped ensure this strategy is reflective of real-life experiences and have helped to ground the strategy with a strong understanding of what support works best for you and our communities,” Mr Doocey said.
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Ben Clemes
High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario

High Roller Technologies, operator of the premium online casino brands High Roller and Fruta, announced the submission of its Internet Gaming Operator license application in Ontario, Canada, targeting the launch of its flagship brand HighRoller.com in the second half of 2025.
“The submission of our licensing application to access Ontario’s regulated online gambling market is an important milestone in our Company’s journey. Once our application is approved, we anticipate that we will have the opportunity to launch our online casino product into the market later this year,” said Ben Clemes, Chief Executive Officer at High Roller.
Ontario is one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in the world as measured by gross gaming revenue. In 2024, regulated online gambling operators within the province generated approximately $2.3B in gross gaming revenue, and growth continues to be recorded in the first half of 2025. Recently, the province of Alberta passed enabling legislation to establish a regulatory framework for online gambling. Once available, the Company also intends to pursue licensure in Alberta to expand its regulated market footprint in Canada.
“Ontario is missing an elegant brand like High Roller. We’re excited to roll out the red carpet for our new customers, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our tremendous product,” said Clemes.
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