Montenegro’s controversial anti-digital gambling law is set to undergo revisions in August following public outcry and pressure from international gambling organizations. The law, which was passed in May of this year, effectively banned online gambling in the small Balkan country.
The law was met with strong opposition from both citizens and the gambling industry, with many arguing that the ban would hurt the economy and lead to job losses in the gambling sector. International gambling companies also expressed concerns about the impact of the ban on their operations in Montenegro.
In response to these concerns, the Montenegrin government has announced that it will revise the law in August to address some of the criticisms leveled against it. While the exact details of the revisions have not been released yet, officials have indicated that they will seek to find a balance between regulating the gambling industry and protecting public health and safety.
The revisions come after months of protests and lobbying from gambling organizations, who argue that the ban on online gambling is counterproductive and will only drive players to unregulated and potentially dangerous websites. They have called for a more nuanced approach to regulating the industry, including licensing and taxation measures that would ensure a level playing field for all operators.
Despite the planned revisions, the government has remained firm in its commitment to tackling problem gambling and protecting vulnerable groups from the potential harms of online betting. It has cited concerns about the proliferation of gambling advertisements and the impact of online gambling on the mental health of young people as reasons for the ban.
The debate over the anti-digital gambling law is likely to continue in the coming months, as stakeholders on both sides of the issue push for their voices to be heard. With the revisions set for August, all eyes will be on Montenegro as it navigates the fraught terrain of regulating a rapidly evolving and contentious industry.
