Gambling industry trends in the Balkans

The gambling and lottery landscape in the Balkans is experiencing both digital and physical shifts. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, traditional methods like kiosks and betting shops are being replaced by mobile applications that offer 24/7 access to sports betting and slot games. In Serbia, the State Lottery remains culturally significant, though recent major draws have not produced jackpot winners.

In Serbia, the physical presence of gambling is expanding, with many businesses such as bakeries being converted into betting venues. There are currently approximately 2,900 gambling locations and 93 registered companies in the sector, employing around 15,000 people. While organizers claim they follow regulations regarding proximity to schools, the high density of shops remains a point of observation.

In Montenegro, the focus has shifted toward the social consequences of gambling addiction, including debt and domestic instability. This has led to calls for a ten-year state policy to gradually phase out betting shops to mitigate these impacts.