The newly formed Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) is set to change the gaming market in Southeast Europe. This coalition of national industry associations intends to share expertise and tackle challenges like illegal gambling, regulatory development, and responsible gaming. Dragan SkrbiΔ, president of the Association of Gambling Operators in Serbia (AGOS) and a key player in the BGF’s creation, emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation in a recent interview. “The Balkans now have much more serious weight as an industrial region,” he noted, outlining the Federation’s potential to elevate the region’s gaming profile in Europe and beyond.
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Origins of the Balkan Gaming Federation
The inception of the BGF stems from a straightforward realization: many challenges in the gaming industry transcend national borders. Dragan SkrbiΔ explains that while each Balkan nation has unique characteristics, the issues such as regulation, responsible gaming, and technology are regional. The groundwork for BGF was laid through existing relationships among associations like AGOS, AOGGAB, HUPIS, and ROMSLOT, facilitated by connections through EUROMAT. As SkrbiΔ points out, “For many years, individual associations worked effectively within their own countries, but there was no common platform through which the region could exchange experience.”
The federation’s creation wasn’t about replacing national bodies but about providing a regional voice on shared issues. Still, the project gained momentum as the industry grew more complex, and the Balkans solidified their role in the global gaming scene, boasting local companies with international footprints and major B2B events.
Initial Meetings and Building Trust
The first meetings of the BGF’s member associations were pivotalβturning an idea into a tangible organization. Representatives from Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia gathered in Belgrade to sign the Memorandum of Cooperation. Still, “It was a strong signal that the region was ready to think in a more organized way,” SkrbiΔ recalls. These meetings weren’t just about formal procedures but also about fostering personal trust, a key component in Balkan business culture. The discussions were open and practical, focusing on common priorities despite each market’s distinct challenges. The second meeting honed in on practical governance: statutes, working principles, and the initial agenda for regional cooperation. SkrbiΔ highlights these meetings as foundational, underscoring the importance of having a practical role in addressing serious regulatory challenges.
Aligning Diverse Markets
Aligning the different visions and priorities of Balkan associations wasn’t without its hurdles. “The biggest challenge was to take into account that, although the region has many similarities, the markets are not the same,” SkrbiΔ explains. Each country has its own set of regulatory frameworks and market conditions. But the challenge was finding common ground without diluting the unique identities of each association. BGF’s mission is not to enforce a uniform model but to pinpoint areas where collaboration adds value. By focusing on long-term regional development rather than individual national interests, the federation aims to create a more coherent regional strategy. SkrbiΔ emphasizes the importance of balancing national autonomy with regional unity: “The most important thing was to preserve the role of each national association.”
Regulatory Priorities and Challenges
The BGF has its sights set on several regulatory prioritiesβfighting illegal gambling, sharing best practices, and ensuring consumer protection. Illegal gambling poses a major challenge, as operators frequently transcend borders, while regulatory bodies remain confined within them. A united regional stance allows for more effective responses and knowledge sharing. Regulatory predictability is another pressing issue. The Balkans often witness legislative changes that lack broad impact assessments, risking undermining the legal market. This unpredictability can inadvertently make illegal markets more appealing to consumers. SkrbiΔ highlights the Federationβs role in organizing forums for dialogue among associations, regulators, and experts to craft viable solutions. The BGF also aims to harmonize professional standards and promote responsible industry growth. By organizing events and discussions, the federation seeks to align Balkan market practices with broader European norms, thereby fostering a mature industry market.
Future Collaborations and Goals
Looking ahead, Dragan SkrbiΔ envisions a strong relationship between the BGF and EUROMAT. While EUROMAT provides a European platform, the BGF focuses on the Balkan-specific experience. Some BGF members already engage with EUROMAT, providing a seamless link between regional and European dialogue. The federation’s impact, SkrbiΔ notes, could be groundbreaking. By presenting a unified Balkan voice in European discussions, the region’s specific regulatory challenges can be better appreciated and addressed. The main aim is to ensure that European processes are adapted to local market realities, enhancing both regional influence and compliance. Next Steps for the Federation
The BGF plans to organize a roundtable with key stakeholders to tackle illegal gambling and regulatory practices. This event is expected to take place later this year, setting the stage for future coordinated efforts across the region.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
