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Serbian Gaming Industry Launches New Association SPIS to Promote Safe Gambling

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Serbia’s gambling sector marked a significant milestone with the formation of a new association, the Association of Game of Chance Organisers, known locally as Udruženje Priređivača Igara na Sreću (SPIS). Established by domestic gambling operators, this new body is committed to ensuring responsibility, transparency, and cooperation within the Serbian market. The launch event took place at Belgrade’s Sava Center, attended by industry stakeholders, institutional representatives, and partners, setting the stage for SPIS to play a pivotal role in the dialogue between the industry, the government, and society at large.

The association’s primary aim is to enhance business standards, safeguard players, and foster a positive perception and growth of the gambling industry. SPIS plans to champion legal, transparent, and responsible business practices. It intends to advocate for the interests of its members in regulatory improvements while facilitating cooperation and knowledge exchange among operators, experts, and relevant authorities. A core focus will be player protection, addiction prevention, and maintaining public trust in the industry.

In a significant move, SPIS launched its first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative under the slogan “One is Many.” This project is a collaboration with the Special Hospital for Addictive Diseases located on Drajzerova Street in Belgrade. It seeks to educate teenagers in sports clubs about preventing addiction, particularly focusing on gambling-related risky behaviors. This initiative underscores the association’s commitment to addressing social issues linked to gambling.

Director Nevena Marković emphasized the broader role of the gaming industry in society, stating, “Our industry employs thousands, contributes to public revenues, and invests in technological development. Equally important is our task to demonstrate to society that games of chance can be safe and responsible entertainment.” She further articulated SPIS’s ambition to cultivate these values systematically through codes, education, and active partnerships with the state and civil sectors. “Our goal is to be a dependable partner in shaping the future of this industry,” she added.

The launch event also featured insights from industry leaders like Slobodan Prodanović, general manager of Mozzart, and Savo Bakmaz, general manager of MaxBet. Both expressed a unified vision and mission for the growth of the gaming sector in Serbia, highlighting the importance of mutual cooperation for continued development.

Adding a dynamic element to SPIS’s outreach efforts, former basketball player Igor Rakočević was introduced as the association’s ambassador. He articulated the significance of SPIS’s foundational principles, emphasizing their relevance not only to the gambling sector but also to sports, education, and social responsibility. He remarked, “No institution, company, or individual can drive change alone. Only through collective effort, shared responsibility, and a focus on the common good can real, enduring values be created. I’m particularly pleased that SPIS is demonstrating from day one that social responsibility is a genuine commitment, not just a buzzword.”

The emergence of SPIS comes at a critical time for Serbia’s gaming industry. The sector is navigating a landscape marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving regulatory frameworks. As digital platforms expand and consumer expectations rise, ensuring responsible gaming practices becomes increasingly vital. SPIS’s establishment signifies a proactive approach to these challenges, aiming to set a benchmark for ethical standards and community engagement.

However, not everyone views the burgeoning gaming industry through the same lens. Critics argue that the rise in gambling accessibility could potentially exacerbate social issues, such as problem gambling and financial instability among vulnerable populations. These concerns underscore the necessity for robust regulatory oversight and comprehensive public awareness campaigns—areas where SPIS’s initiatives could play a crucial role.

The Serbian market, similar to other regions, is seeing a shift as technology integrates deeper into gaming operations. This evolution offers opportunities for growth but also demands stringent measures to protect consumers and maintain integrity within the industry. SPIS’s commitment to collaboration with governmental bodies and healthcare institutions reflects an understanding of these complexities.

Moreover, the association’s focus on youth education is particularly pertinent. With gambling advertising becoming more prevalent, there’s a pressing need to educate younger generations about the risks of gambling addiction. By targeting sports clubs and engaging with youths directly, SPIS’s “One is Many” project is an important step towards fostering a culture of informed and responsible gaming.

While SPIS has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for its mission, the success of its initiatives will largely depend on the continued cooperation and engagement of all stakeholders involved. The industry’s ability to adapt to regulatory changes, technological advancements, and societal expectations will be crucial in defining its future trajectory.

In conclusion, the formation of SPIS marks a new chapter for Serbia’s gambling industry. By prioritizing responsibility, transparency, and cooperation, the association aims to lead the sector towards sustainable growth and positive societal impact. As the industry evolves, SPIS’s role as a mediator and innovator will be critical in shaping a future where gaming is both a vibrant economic contributor and a socially responsible activity.