Albania Ends Online Betting Ban to Fight Off Illegal Gambling

The Albanian parliament voted to let online betting happen in the country again, after banning it in 2018. They did this to stop the illegal gambling market from growing.

The ban was part of a bigger plan to stop all gambling in Albania. Before the ban, in 2018, Albanians spent $161 million a year on online and regular betting, and another $754 million on illegal betting.

But the ban didn’t work. People still gambled online on the black market, or in secret land-based bookies.

The new rules will allow 10 online gambling operators with a solid reputation in the industry to get licenses in Albania.

According to a spokesperson from the economy ministry, licenses will be issued exclusively to reputable organizations: “We want to make sure that we’re only working with reputable companies who understand the importance of responsible gaming.”

However, sports betting in brick-and-mortar gambling venues is still off-limits. And only a few traditional (offline) casinos can stay open in Albania.