Online bingo has been banned in North Macedonia following a government decision in September 2025 to terminate the validity of all online casino licenses (1). First Deputy Prime Minister Izet Mexhiti announced that the government implemented a parliamentary interpretation terminating illegal online casino licenses, effectively banning online gambling activities including bingo (1). Previously, online gambling was legal when operators held licenses from the Ministry of Finance, specifically through the Department for Games of Chance, which regulated all gambling activities and issued licenses (2). Bingo and Keno clubs were permitted to operate with specific licenses, but only in land-based establishments (2).
The government justified the ban as protecting citizens, particularly young people, from gambling-related harm (1). Deputy Prime Minister Mexhiti stated that the measure would prevent children from gambling on their phones and computers at home and school (1). The Ministry of Finance had previously overseen gambling regulation, issuing licenses that lasted 10 to 15 years and requiring operators to submit applications disclosing financial status, security measures, and adherence to gambling laws (2). Operators were required to establish responsible gambling measures, pay taxes, and monitor consumer behavior while maintaining minimum infrastructure and security standards (2).
"We stopped our children from being able to gamble on their phones, on their computers at home and at school. Our main priority is to protect citizens, especially young people."
The ban represents a dramatic shift in North Macedonia's gambling policy, which had become increasingly prominent since 2019 when 40 licenses were issued to operators (2). The government's stated objectives include protecting citizens from debt, bankruptcy, gambling addiction, family difficulties, and illegal activities associated with gambling (1). Prior to the ban, approximately 160 unlicensed providers had been identified operating illegally within the market (2). Land-based bingo and keno clubs remain legal under strict licensing requirements, but all online gambling platforms, including those offering bingo, are now prohibited (1).
Source:
https://indeksonline.net/en/Online-gambling-will-be-banned-in-North-Macedonia/
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulations-in-north-macedonia/
Last updated: 28-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
