Albania prepares to relaunch online sports betting seven years after nationwide ban

Albania is moving closer to restoring online sports betting, seven years after imposing one of Europe’s strictest gambling crackdowns. Although the legal framework is now in place, authorities have yet to open the licensing process, as concerns grow over the social impact of expanded gambling.

A major policy reversal

When Albania banned street betting shops and online sports betting in 2019,the government described gambling as a nationwide widespread social problem. The reform also restricted casino operations to selected luxury hotels in an effort to curb organized crime and reduce gambling-related harm.

Despite the prohibition, online betting continued to operate through informal channels, prompting lawmakers to reconsider the regulatory approach.

Regulatory framework completed

After Parliament approved legislation to re-legalise online sports betting in 2024, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that all secondary legislation has now been adopted, completing the country’s regulatory framework.

According to the ministry, the legal system is fully prepared for the market’s return, but the official licensing process has not yet begun.

“The system is legally ready, but the licensing process has not yet officially opened,” the Ministry of Finance said in a written statement.

Experts raise addiction concerns

While the government views regulation as a way to bring betting into a controlled environment, mental health professionals argue that Albania lacks adequate resources to address a likely increase in gambling addiction.

The planned reopening of the online sports betting market has reignited debate over whether the country’s healthcare and prevention systems are equipped to manage the risks associated with expanded gambling participation