Serbia’s Ministry of Finance has published new regulations for organising jackpot games across the nation. Under the new framework, licensed gambling operators must obtain prior permission from the Games of Chance Administration before launching a jackpot game. Each permit is valid for one calendar year, between January 1 and December 31. Authorities have also restricted jackpot payouts to 20% of the operator’s base betting amount, which is calculated as the difference between total bets and player winnings.
Serbia Enforces New Regulations for Organising Special Games of Chance: Quick Overview
- The new guideline implements Article 115b of Serbia’s Law on Games of Chance. It provides a regulatory framework for jackpot organisers and establishes operational, technical, and compliance standards.
- The Finance Ministry has confirmed that the new rules are designed to guide jackpot organisers, ensuring transparency, integrity, and fiscal responsibility, and will not affect players.
- Authorities have restricted payouts to 20% of an operator’s annual base betting amount, which will be calculated as the difference between total wagers received and player winnings.
New Regulation Prescribes a More Detailed Procedure for Organising Jackpot Games
Serbia’s Ministry of Finance, in the Official Gazette No. 112 dated December 12, 2025, introduced new regulations governing jackpot games. The changes apply to licensed gambling operators offering special games of chance both online and at land-based venues. The framework formally imposes Article 115b of the Law on Games of Chance, establishing specific rules for operating jackpot systems.
The rulebook establishes operational, technical and compliance requirements for jackpot offerings, including system certification, approval procedures and statutory payout limits. Authorities state that this measure will strengthen oversight without affecting the player experience.
The Finance Ministry reiterated that “players should not see any material changes as a result of the new rules.” Instead, the regulations focus on how operators design, manage, and report jackpot games. The government aims to improve transparency, system integrity, and fiscal accountability.
The regulation also introduces enhanced technical safeguards, including mandatory data encryption, secure backup system,s and real-time data exchanges with the Games of Chance Administration. These measures will ensure continuous regulatory monitoring and reduce the risk of manipulation or misuse.
With online gambling gaining prominence across Europe, regulators have taken proactive measures to improve oversight, enforce compliance, and foster responsible gambling within their jurisdictions. Last week, Montenegro introduced new tax provisions on gambling winnings overnight, causing chaos across the sector. Meanwhile, Romania has pledged to improve gambling accountability as part of its 2026 agenda.
Government Specifies Licensing Requirements and Payout Limits
Under the new framework, only licensed gambling operators can arrange special games of chance. Operators need to obtain authorisation in advance from the Games of Chance Administration before hosting a jackpot game. The Finance Ministry will review and approve licences individually.
Each permit will be valid for one calendar year, that is, between January 1 and December 31 of the same year. To continue hosting special games of chance, operators must reapply for a gaming permit every year. Licensees are required to submit a compliance certificate for the jackpot system as well as a detailed description explaining how the jackpot functions.
The outcome of every game must be generated exclusively by Random Number Generators (RNGs) that meet laboratory-approved integrity and statistical standards. Manual interference during any step in this process is strictly prohibited under the new legislation.
The rulebook enforces strict limits on jackpot payouts, capping them at 20% of an operator’s annual net betting base. The amount is calculated as the difference between total wagers and player winnings. This limit will apply separately to sports betting, slot machines and online games offered through electronic channels.
The new regulation is part of a wider reform by the Serbian Progressive Party following amendments to the Law on Games of Chance in 2024. Similar measures were observed in Greece in December 2025, as the government prepares to update the existing gambling regulatory framework.