Bosnia Moves to Channel Gambling Revenue into Healthcare and Social Programs
A new proposal in the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina seeks to amend the Law on Games of Chance, ensuring that part of gambling revenue is directed toward healthcare and social welfare. The initiative, led by MP Dennis Gratz, aims to create a stable and transparent funding source for the treatment of patients with severe illnesses, including those requiring medical care abroad.
Proposed Allocation of Gambling Revenue
Under the proposed changes, gambling income would be distributed across three main categories. 60% would go to the federal budget, while 20% would support social protection programs, humanitarian initiatives, child and youth welfare, violence prevention, cultural and sports development, innovation, and voluntary blood donation.
The remaining 20% would be directed to the Solidarity Fund, exclusively for treating patients with severe illnesses that cannot be covered by regular health insurance, including medical care abroad.
Gratz emphasized that the current law does not secure a defined share of gambling revenue for the Solidarity Fund. “With these amendments, every mark spent on games of chance will have its purpose and will make life more dignified and secure for the most vulnerable among us,” he said.
Ethical Dimension of the Reform
According to Gratz, the proposal is more than a technical correction—it carries a strong ethical dimension. “No seriously ill child or young person should be left to face their illness alone because of a lack of funds,” he stated.
He further noted that ensuring a legal foundation for long-term and transparent financing of medical treatments is his responsibility as a lawmaker. “This law is a step toward a society where solidarity is not just a word, but a reality,” Gratz concluded.