Montenegro Tightens Gambling Compliance Ahead of 2026

Montenegro’s government has issued a stern warning to gambling operators and media outlets ahead of a stringent enforcement push in 2026, emphasizing that the newly updated ‘Law on Games of Chance’ will be treated as a full compliance reset rather than a transitional period.

Authorities are accelerating inspections across land-based casinos, tightening standards for licensing and equipment certification and increasing scrutiny on broadcasters, publishers and digital platforms to enforce a broad advertising clampdown. Collectively, these measures raise the stakes for non-compliance for operators and their commercial partners.

From Legislation to Enforcement

The reform package, passed this summer, replaces a concession-heavy model with a more direct approval system, introduces higher fees, restricts gambling marketing and strengthens player registration requirements. While public discussions largely focused on advertising limits, the industry now sees enforcement across the supply chain from venues and gaming terminals to marketing and media as the key commercial challenge.

Montenegro’s government has made it clear that 2026 will mark a stricter application of the rules, extending obligations not only to licensees but also to suppliers, advertisers and media entities.

Advertising Under Scrutiny

Advertising restrictions under the new law aim to remove gambling promotion from mainstream visibility. The legislation limits marketing in media channels and public spaces and specifies how operators may present gambling products. Finance Minister Novica Vuković stressed the government’s stance, stating: “If someone violates the advertising ban, they should be sanctioned.”

Inspections and Compliance Checks

Alongside the advertising crackdown, regulators have intensified inspections of gambling venues. Authorities are verifying that operations comply with updated licensing and technical standards, focusing particularly on gaming machines, terminals and equipment certification. Recent reports indicate that some inspections have led to the seizure of machines and the opening of enforcement proceedings for detected irregularities.

Wider Implications

Montenegro’s enforcement efforts are attracting attention across Europe. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has set an ambitious goal for EU membership by 2028, putting pressure on regulators to demonstrate enforceable reforms across multiple sectors. The country’s approach may serve as a test case for enforcement credibility, as authorities aim to reduce informal practices, curb grey-market activity and apply uniform standards across operators and the media ecosystem that monetizes gambling.