The second working meeting of the Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) in Belgrade outlined both the next institutional step in building the federation and its first major strategic topic: a coordinated regional response against the growing illegal gambling market.
During the meeting, organized by AGOS, a decision was made for the federation to be registered 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 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 organized for discussion and final voting.
BGF and EUROMAT in a Common Framework in September
On 29 September, the annual meeting of the EUROMAT Board of Directors will take place, and on 30 September 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 24 November in Sofia, during the Gaming Industry Gala Dinner, organized 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 Brings Regulators and the Industry to One Table Against the Black Market
In parallel with the organizational 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.
“The sector is still viewed through outdated perceptions, without sufficient understanding of its economic importance and the role of licensed operators.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,” said Milos Lalevic, Vice President of GPIS Montenegro, former Deputy Minister of Sports and Culture, and member of Montenegro’s negotiation team for European integration.
Conversations and meetings have already been held with leaders in the global gaming industry, as well as with independent international organizations 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 center: 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 to bring together regional, European, and international experience in a common format that will lead to concrete conclusions and clear messages for the competent institutions.
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