Hong Kong PR

(AsiaGameHub) –   The federation is prioritizing the strains facing legal gambling operators, the expansion of the unregulated black market, and the necessity of more robust dialogue with governmental institutions.

Press release: The second working meeting of the Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) held in Belgrade confirmed both the next formal step for establishing the federation and its inaugural key strategic initiative: a coordinated regional approach to combat the rising illegal gambling market.

Hosted by AGOS, the meeting saw members approve the decision to register the federation in Croatia. With this decision, the process of building the new regional structure moves into its next practical phase.

Filip Jelevic, secretary general of the Croatian association HUPIS and a member of the Executive Committee of EUROMAT, was elected chair of the working group on the Statute. The working group will coordinate the preparation of a text aligned with Croatian legislation, after which an online meeting will be organised for discussion and final voting.

BGF and EUROMAT Aligned Under a Shared Framework in September

On September 29, the annual meeting of the EUROMAT Board of Directors will take place, and on September 30 in Bucharest, the election of the first President of the Balkan Gaming Federation is planned. The Romanian association ROMSLOT will host both meetings.

The sequence of the two events is intended as a visible symbol of the partnership between the European and the Balkan federation, of BGF’s place in the wider EUROMAT framework, and of their common support for legal business in Romania.

On November 24 in Sofia, during the Gaming Industry Gala Dinner, organised by AOGGAB, the first Balkan awards will be presented in several categories. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the first President of BGF in person and learn more about the federation’s programme for 2027.

BGF to Convene Regulators and Industry Stakeholders to Tackle the Unregulated Black Market

In parallel with the organisational decisions, preparations have started for a major round table with the Balkan regulators. The reason is that illegal gambling is growing, while legal operators in the region are facing increasing regulatory, financial, and administrative pressure.

Milos Lalevic, vice president of GPIS Montenegro, former deputy minister of sports and culture, and member of Montenegro’s negotiation team for European integration, said: “The sector is still viewed through outdated perceptions, without sufficient understanding of its economic importance and the role of licensed operators. When regulations are adopted without analysis, transparency, and real dialogue with the industry, they do not limit the problem, but weaken the legal market and open more space for the black sector.”

Conversations and meetings have already been held with leaders in the global gaming industry, as well as with independent international organisations in the field of certification, licensing, technical standards, and regulatory compliance.

The planned format will include BGF, EUROMAT, leading international companies, independent experts, and regulators from the Balkan countries. Three topics will be at the centre: the fight against illegal gambling, the protection of legal business, and the need for more effective dialogue between the industry and institutions.

The aim is for regional, European, and international experience to be brought together in a common format that will lead to concrete conclusions and clear messages to the competent institutions.