Gambling restrictions (Law 75/2018, in force 1 Jan 2019) and later sports-betting licensing
Status: Land casinos limited to five-star hotels. Online sports betting licensing in 2026 (procedure reported as started).
Summary
Law 75/2018 amended the 2015 gambling law. From 1 Jan 2019 casinos and betting shops had to leave residential areas, and casino gambling was limited to five-star hotels and tourist zones. Only one land-based casino licence survived, in a five-star hotel. Online betting was restricted. The ban was lifted for sports betting in the 2024 Gambling Law, which allows up to 10 online operators. The Council of Ministers set up the licence procedure in March 2026 (Decision 194).
The gambling sector was named by MONEYVAL-related reporting as one of the most vulnerable sectors for laundering. The restrictions were a policy response, but the sources do not show that they reduced cash flows.
Key facts
- Law 75/2018 amended Law 155/2015 on Gambling; effective 1 Jan 2019 (sources differ on 2018 vs 2019 for the adoption).
- Single land-based casino licence (Adria Entertainment / Apex) in a 5-star hotel (reported).
- Council of Ministers Decision 194 (26 Mar 2026): procedure for online sports-betting licences (reported).
The record
Four lists kept apart on purpose: what is established, what is only alleged, what is still open, and what those concerned said.
What is proven (1)
Established by documents or official records, as stated in the research. A recorded charge or indictment proves only that the accusation was made.
- Gambling law restrictions took effect in 2019 (law text as reported).
What is alleged (0)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
Nothing recorded in this list.
Open questions (2)
- Who holds the 2026 online licences and was ownership checked for laundering risk?
- Did casino and betting cash flows change after 2019?
Responses (0)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
Nothing recorded in this list.
Timeline
Full timeline →Government
Gambling law takes effect: casinos limited to five-star hotels
Law 75/2018 amended Law 155/2015 on Gambling. From 1 Jan 2019 casinos and betting shops had to leave residential areas; casino gambling was limited to five-star hotels and tourist zones.
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 4 sources.
Source label: VerifiedVerified · 4 sources
- Publisher
- Reuters / Public Gaming
- Date
- Oct 2018
- Publisher
- exit.al
- Date
- unknown
- Publisher
- Bettors Insider
- Date
- 18 Aug 2026
- Publisher
- Casino.org
- Date
- 2018