Serbia's Finance Ministry Urges Rejection of Betting Venue Distance Rules

Serbia's Ministry of Finance, led by Novica Vuković, has pushed back against a legislative proposal that would impose a minimum 80-metre separation between newly opened betting establishments. The draft law, introduced by Serbian Democracy (NSD) lawmakers Vaso Obradović and Milica Rondović, aims to curb the concentration of gambling outlets and mitigate social harm.

In a statement reported by local media, the ministry urged parliamentarians not to support the bill, arguing that it would fail to reduce the overall density of betting venues. Existing facilities that do not comply with the distance requirement would be allowed to remain open indefinitely, effectively granting them a protected market position. The department described the plan as a violation of the principle of equal treatment for all market participants.

Current regulations, enacted in August 2025, are already producing tangible results, the ministry noted. Data from Serbia’s Games of Chance Administration shows the number of licensed slot-machine venues has fallen to 50 from a peak of 61 in 2024. Meanwhile, land-based betting outlets have held steady at between 18 and 20 since 2018, with two casinos also in operation. Authorities have also intensified seizures of illegal gaming machines and enforced penalties against non-compliant advertising.

The Ministry of Finance emphasised that its priority lies in combating the shadow economy and strengthening oversight, rather than measures that could entrench incumbents. Parliament is currently reviewing broader amendments to the Laws on Games of Chance aimed at tightening controls on illegal gambling operations.