The Albanian authorities have decided to accommodate companies engaged in online betting. They announced lifting a ban that lasted nearly a decade, but operating freely in the country will still not be entirely possible.
Online betting operators must first obtain a license. According to the plan, approval can be granted to up to 10 companies.
There will be other restrictions: operators will be required to open an official office in Albania, have experience operating in gambling on at least three EU or OECD markets, a turnover of at least 2 billion ALL ($25 million) in the previous year, and maintain capital reserves at a level of at least 40 million ALL ($50,000). Additionally, operators will pay a 15% corporate tax and allocate 15% of gaming revenue to a special fund.
Meanwhile, physical betting shops and slot halls remain banned in the country.
Previously, Albanian authorities acknowledged that the ban on online betting did not stop the activity but merely pushed it into the shadow segment.