The government of Montenegro has issued a strict warning to the media and related businesses, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy toward grey-market and illegal gambling. The Ministry of Justice published a notification during the festive season, as authorities prepare to intensify enforcement of the country’s revamped Law on Games of Chance.
Although the law was officially sanctioned on 1 August 2025, regulators have made clear that 2026 will mark a decisive shift from legislative adoption to full-scale enforcement. Officials have stressed that the reform will be treated as a compliance reset rather than a transitional grace period, with authorities proactively closing regulatory gaps that could allow unlicensed gambling operations to persist.
Montenegro Reiterates Firm Stance Against Grey Market Gambling: Quick Summary
- The Ministry of Justice recently issued a firm statement, cautioning the media and other businesses that “no grey area will be tolerated in gambling.” The statement follows Montenegro’s adoption of a new law on games of chance.
- In a statement addressed to members of the press and business communities, authorities confirmed that the new framework establishes “clear and unambiguous rules,” leaving “no room for informal practices or selective interpretation.”
- Montenegro’s new law on games of chance places a near-total ban on gambling advertisements. The onus is on the media to comply with the directives. Any violation will be in breach of the law.
New Law Places Direct Compliance Obligations on Media Outlets
Montenegro’s Ministry of Justice has warned that authorities will not tolerate any grey areas in gambling. The warning was issued during the holiday season, as the government prepares to intensify enforcement of the country’s revamped gambling framework in 2026. The Law on Games of Chance, which was sanctioned on August 1, 2025, is now entering its enforcement phase, with full compliance expected going forward.
The reformed regulations will enable Montenegrin authorities to govern the gambling sector in the “interest of public health, safety and the economic benefit of the state.” The Ministry of Justice issued a statement addressed to national media outlets and business stakeholders, cautioning against exploiting loopholes in the gambling legislation.
Officials reiterate that the new legal framework establishes “clear and unambiguous rules,” leaving “no room for informal practices or selective interpretation.” The Ministry emphasised that gambling operators, suppliers, advertisers, and media organisations must align their activities immediately with the updated legislation.
The government has further warned that non-compliance will be treated as a breach of the law and will trigger appropriate enforcement action, including sanctions and penalties, as per the legislation. National media outlets have already been formally notified of their obligations under the tightened gambling advertising restrictions.
The law places a near-total ban on gambling advertisements. Additionally, it places the onus on broadcasters, publishers, and digital media outlets to comply with the law. Authorities have underlined that promoting any illegal gambling content will be treated as a legal violation.
Industry Stakeholders Object to Strict Gambling Restrictions
Montenegrin authorities have started cracking down on illicit gambling venues and tightening compliance checks on licensed gambling operators. In situations where irregularities were observed, the government has seized gambling machines and terminals and initiated misdemeanour and criminal proceedings.
At the same time, the government has moved to address legal challenges to the new gambling framework. In December, game machine suppliers had called for a Constitutional review of the Law on Games of Chance. The appellants sought a delay in the legal implementation, citing that several game machine suppliers had been affected by the amendments, forcing them to revise existing business contracts.
Those appeals were rejected following an intervention by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, who stated that enforcement of measures designed to curb illegal gambling and restore regulatory credibility could not be delayed. The government has since signalled that the law will proceed through a phased implementation, with only limited amendments under consideration.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has begun issuing secondary regulations regarding AML compliance, licensing conditions, market conduct standards and supervisory powers.
Montenegro’s gambling reforms will be closely monitored by its European neighbours, several of whom are currently in the midst of amending their own gambling legislation. Earlier in 2025, Belgium had approved a draft bill to amend the 1999 Gambling Act. Meanwhile, Poland is under pressure from the industry to open its market to competition.
The successful implementation of the amended Gambling Act has become a pilot project for Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, who set an ambitious timeline for 2028 to join the European Union. Industry stakeholders are under pressure to demonstrate credibility and reliability before the deadline.