Office No. 18, 9.17 Capital Tower, 91 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8RT
Mon - Fri: 10.00 - 19.00 GTM+2
+38 095 841 41 64
contact@legalpilot.com
AL

Is Gambling Legal in Albania?

Prohibited
Online sports betting is now legalized and regulated; other gambling remains largely prohibited except for licensed casinos in select locations.
Expert Gambling Regulation Guidance

Professional consultation on gambling regulations and legal compliance requirements for operators




    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority License Commission
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

    Casinos Prohibited
    Online Casinos Prohibited
    Betting Prohibited
    Online Betting Prohibited
    Lotteries Prohibited
    Poker Prohibited

    Highlights

    • Albania lifted its blanket ban on online gambling in 2024, now allowing licensed online sports betting operators.
    • Only online sports betting is permitted; land-based betting shops remain banned except for state-sanctioned casinos in select hotels.
    • Operators must be joint-stock companies registered in Albania, with shareholders free from criminal convictions.
    • All player registrations, identity data, and transaction records must be kept for at least three years for regulatory compliance.
    • Payments for gambling can only be made digitally through authorized financial agents such as banks and licensed institutions.
    • Operators must maintain a minimum guarantee fund of €1.5 million in a designated bank account to ensure payouts and player protection.
    • Gambling advertising is prohibited in print and audiovisual media under the new regulatory framework.
    Technical Compliance Assistance

    Our specialists will help you understand technical compliance requirements for gambling operations




      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      The gambling industry in Albania is primarily governed by Law No. 155/2015 "On Gambling in the Republic of Albania," which serves as the cornerstone of the regulatory framework. This law has undergone several amendments over the years, with the most recent significant changes approved in early 2024. The legislation establishes comprehensive provisions for the organization, operation, and supervision of gambling activities throughout the country. The legal framework also includes various implementing regulations and bylaws that further define specific aspects of gambling operations. The recently approved draft law "On some additions and changes to the law no. 155/2015, 'On gambling in the Republic of Albania', as amended" introduces substantial revisions to the regulatory landscape, particularly concerning online sports betting. This amendment represents a significant shift in Albania's gambling policy, as it reintroduces certain forms of online gambling that had been previously banned.

      Regulatory Authority

      The primary regulatory oversight for gambling in Albania falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, which has broad supervisory powers over the gambling sector. The implementation and enforcement of gambling regulations are carried out through specialized administrative bodies. A notable development in the regulatory structure is the creation of the License Commission, established by recent legislative amendments. This commission functions as a collegial decision-making body specifically responsible for the licensing of entities seeking to operate in the gambling sector.
      • Oversight of operator compliance with gambling legislation
      • Administration of the licensing process for gambling operators
      • Enforcement of player protection measures and responsible gambling standards
      • Monitoring of financial transactions and guarantee funds for players
      • Control over player registration and data retention requirements
      • Supervision of payment mechanisms through authorized financial agents
      The regulatory framework also mandates coordination between the gambling authorities and other government bodies, including the Bank of Albania, which plays a role in overseeing financial aspects of gambling operations, particularly regarding payment processing and financial guarantees required from operators.

      License Types

      Types of Gambling Licenses in Albania

      • Online Sports Betting License: Recently reinstated, this license authorizes operators to offer online sports betting services. Only entities with prior experience in sports-betting activities are eligible.
      • Casino License: Licenses for land-based casinos are strictly limited to 5-star hotels and resorts. Other forms of gambling remain prohibited under current regulations.

      Application Process and Licensing Authority

      • Licenses are granted by a newly established License Commission, a collegial decision-making body responsible for reviewing and approving applications.
      • Applicants must submit comprehensive documentation, including proof of experience, company registration, and financial guarantees.
      • Only joint-stock companies headquartered and registered in Albania with the National Business Centre are eligible to apply.
      • All shareholders must have a clean criminal record and not be involved in ongoing judicial proceedings for criminal offenses.
      • There is currently no limit to the number of licenses that may be issued for online sports betting.

      Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility

      • Licenses are typically issued for a fixed term, after which renewal is possible upon meeting all regulatory requirements and maintaining compliance.
      • Renewal conditions require continued adherence to all licensing obligations, including financial guarantees, player protection measures, and operational standards.
      • Eligibility is restricted to entities with demonstrable experience in sports betting and compliance with Albanian company law.

      Financial Requirements and Licensing Costs

      • Operators must maintain a minimum liquid guarantee of €1.5 million in a designated bank account to ensure payouts to winners. This amount must always be at least 5% of all player deposits from the previous financial year.
      • A separate deposit of €450,000 is required in a dedicated fund to cover obligations to the authorities.
      • All player payments and deposits must be processed digitally through authorized financial agents, such as second-level banks, the Albanian Post, or licensed financial institutions.
      • There are additional administrative and licensing fees, but the exact amounts may vary and are set by the regulatory authority.

      Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

      • Mandatory pre-registration of all players, including collection and secure storage of personal identity data for a minimum of three years in accordance with data protection laws.
      • Strict prohibition of direct cash transactions; all monetary deposits must be made through regulated financial agents.
      • Operators must implement robust player protection measures, including the establishment of a guarantee fund for player winnings.
      • Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) obligations and periodic reporting to the relevant authorities.
      • Advertising of gambling activities is strictly prohibited in print and audiovisual media.
      • Failure to comply with these requirements may result in suspension or revocation of the license.

      Gambling Tax

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Albania

      The taxation system for gambling operators in Albania is structured according to the type of gambling activity. The most recent legislative changes have focused on online sports betting, with specific tax obligations for licensed operators. The main tax rates and bases are as follows:
      • Online Sports Betting: Operators are taxed on their Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). The precise tax rate for GGR under the latest amendments is set by the law and may be subject to periodic review by the authorities.
      • Other Gambling Activities: For land-based casinos and other forms of gambling, taxation is also typically based on GGR or turnover, with rates defined by the specific activity and location (such as casinos restricted to five-star hotels).
      Type of Gambling Tax Base Tax Rate
      Online Sports Betting Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) Defined by law (subject to updates)
      Land-Based Casinos GGR or turnover Defined by law (varies by activity)

      Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

      • Operators must report their taxable base (GGR or turnover) regularly to the Albanian tax authorities, following the schedule and format prescribed by the law.
      • Payments must be made exclusively through authorized financial agents, such as second-level banks, the Albanian Post, or other financial institutions licensed by the Bank of Albania.
      • All player deposits and operator payments are processed digitally, ensuring transparency and traceability.
      • Operators are required to maintain a guarantee fund in a designated bank account, with a minimum liquidity requirement (for example, €1.5 million or at least 5% of all player deposits from the previous financial year).
      • Additional deposits may be required for obligations to the authorities, such as a separate fund of €450,000.
      • Tax obligations must be settled periodically, and operators must provide evidence of timely and complete payments to maintain their license.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

      • No broad tax incentives or exemptions are currently specified for gambling operators in Albania.
      • Special provisions exist for the creation of guarantee funds to protect player winnings and ensure the fulfillment of tax and regulatory obligations.
      • The law requires strict financial controls and transparency, but does not provide for reduced rates or tax holidays for new entrants or specific types of gambling.
      Albania’s gambling taxation framework is designed to ensure strong oversight, financial transparency, and the fulfillment of fiscal obligations by all licensed operators. Amendments and updates may occur, so operators should monitor official publications for the latest details.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      • The minimum age for participation in any form of gambling is strictly enforced at 18 years old.
      • All players must be pre-registered before participating in online sports betting. This registration process requires the collection and storage of identity data for each player.
      • Operators are obligated to retain players’ personal identification data for a minimum of three years, in compliance with personal data protection regulations.
      • Payments for gambling activities must be conducted exclusively through authorized financial agents, such as second-level banks, the Albanian Post, or licensed financial institutions. Direct cash deposits with operators are prohibited.

      Prohibited Gambling Activities and Game Restrictions

      • Most gambling activities are banned in Albania, except for those conducted within state-sanctioned casinos and, recently, licensed online sports betting platforms.
      • Casinos are permitted only in designated five-star hotels and resorts, and only with specific state approval.
      • Land-based betting shops, slot halls, and other forms of physical gambling venues outside these approved locations remain strictly prohibited.
      • Only online sports betting is permitted under the new regulations, and only with operators that are officially registered and licensed.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • All forms of gambling advertising are strictly prohibited in print and audiovisual media.
      • Operators are not allowed to promote gambling services through public media channels or other mass communication platforms.
      • Marketing activities targeting minors or vulnerable groups are explicitly forbidden.

      Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

      • Operators must implement robust player registration and identification processes to ensure compliance with age and eligibility requirements.
      • There is a legal obligation for operators to maintain a guarantee fund, ensuring that they can cover winnings and protect player deposits. This fund must hold a minimum of €1.5 million or at least 5% of all player deposits from the previous financial year, whichever is greater.
      • Operators are required to support player protection through dedicated social programmes aimed at preventing and addressing problem gambling.
      • Strict data protection measures are mandated, with all personal data stored securely and in accordance with national data protection laws.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions

      • Land-based casinos are only allowed within five-star hotels and resorts that meet specific state criteria and approval.
      • All other physical gambling venues, including betting shops and slot halls, are banned throughout the country.
      • Online gambling is restricted to licensed operators, and participation is monitored through mandatory player registration and digital payment controls.
      Gambling Regulatory Consultation

      Get expert advice on gambling regulations and operational requirements




        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1995 First comprehensive Gambling Act adopted, establishing the initial legal framework for gambling in Albania.
        2015 Law No. 155/2015 "On Gambling in the Republic of Albania" enacted, modernizing and consolidating gambling regulation.
        2018 Parliament passes a blanket ban on most gambling activities, shutting down betting shops, electronic casinos, and online gambling, except for state-sanctioned casinos in designated locations.
        2023 Government initiates major revisions to gambling regulations, with draft laws proposing the return of regulated online sports betting and stricter licensing requirements.
        February 2024 Parliament votes to legalize online sports betting, reversing the 2018 blanket ban and allowing licensed operators to offer online-only sports betting.
        April 2024 Assembly approves amendments to Law No. 155/2015 to formalize the return of online sports betting, introducing new licensing criteria, player registration requirements, and enhanced consumer protection measures.

        Requirements

        Software Certification and Technical Standards Requirements

        • All gambling software and platforms used by operators must comply with national technical standards to ensure integrity, fairness, and security of games.
        • Operators are required to use certified software that has passed independent testing and verification for randomness, reliability, and compliance with regulatory technical standards.
        • Systems must be capable of real-time monitoring and reporting of all gambling transactions, player activity, and game outcomes to the regulatory authority.
        • Technical infrastructure must support robust player registration, identity verification, and secure transaction processing.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements

        • Operators must pre-register every player, collecting and securely storing their identity data in compliance with national data protection laws.
        • Personal data of players must be retained for a minimum of three years and protected in accordance with Albanian privacy legislation.
        • All data storage and processing systems must implement strong encryption and access controls to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.
        • Server location requirements are set to ensure that all critical data and operational servers are either located within Albania or in jurisdictions approved by the regulatory authority, with full access for compliance inspections.

        Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

        • Operators must implement comprehensive AML procedures, including mandatory KYC checks for all players before allowing participation in gambling activities.
        • KYC procedures require verification of player identity, age, and source of funds using reliable and independent documentation.
        • All monetary deposits and withdrawals must be processed digitally through authorized financial agents, such as licensed banks, Albanian Post, or financial institutions approved by the Bank of Albania.
        • Operators are required to monitor transactions for suspicious activity, report large or unusual transactions, and cooperate fully with national AML authorities.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements

        • Operators must maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all financial transactions, player accounts, and game outcomes.
        • Financial records must be retained for a period specified by law and made available for inspection by regulatory and tax authorities upon request.
        • Operators are subject to regular independent audits to verify compliance with financial, technical, and operational standards.
        • Operators must maintain a designated bank account with a minimum liquidity guarantee to ensure payment of winnings and player protection obligations.

        Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

        • Operators must integrate responsible gambling tools into their platforms, including self-exclusion mechanisms, deposit and loss limits, and real-time player activity monitoring.
        • Systems must provide players with clear information about their gambling activity, available limits, and access to support resources for problem gambling.
        • Technical solutions must enable immediate enforcement of self-exclusion requests and prevent excluded individuals from accessing gambling services.
        • Operators are required to participate in national responsible gambling programs and ensure technical interoperability with central exclusion registers if mandated by the regulator.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        Legislation Resources

        Contact Information

        • Ministry of Finance and Economy of Albania Rruga e Elbasanit, Nr. 4, Tiranë, Albania Email: arkiva.financa.gov.al
        Navigate Gambling Regulations Successfully

        Professional guidance on regulatory compliance for gambling operations




          Vatican City Niger

          Important Information Notice

          Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.

          Last updated: 16 July 2025