Serbia Establishes SPIS to Ensure a Safe and Cooperative Gambling Industry
Serbia has launched a new trade and standards body, the Association of Games of Chance Organisers (SPIS), to ensure a safer, more transparent, and cooperative gambling sector. The organization aims to foster responsible gambling practices and improve the public’s perception of the industry, aligning with Serbia’s broader effort to create a well-regulated gambling environment.
Launching the New Initiative
The announcement was made at a ceremony held at the Sava Center in Belgrade, where prominent figures from the gambling sector, government officials, business partners, and members of civil society gathered. Nevena Marković was appointed as the inaugural Director of SPIS, marking the beginning of a new era in Serbia’s gambling sector.
Marković emphasized that while the gambling industry contributes significantly to public revenues and employs thousands, it is equally important to show the public that gambling can be a safe and responsible form of entertainment.
“Our industry employs thousands of people, contributes to public revenues, and invests in technology. But it is equally important to show society that games of chance can be safe and responsible entertainment.”
SPIS, she said, will work with stakeholders to build a future based on transparency, responsibility, and cooperation.
“SPIS was founded to systematically cultivate these values through codes of conduct, education, and active cooperation with the state and the civil sector. Our ambition is to be a reliable partner in shaping the future of this industry.”
Goals of SPIS
SPIS will play an essential role in shaping Serbia’s gambling landscape by focusing on corporate responsibility, industry standards, and player protection. By working closely with both the government and the civil sector, SPIS aims to create a sustainable and cooperative gambling industry. The initiative also seeks to improve the public’s trust in the sector, making gambling safer for all involved.
Industry Collaboration
SPIS brings together the leading domestic gambling operators in Serbia, including Mozzart and MaxBet. These companies, along with SPIS, aim to enhance operational standards, improve player protection, and foster greater cooperation between industry players and regulatory bodies.
Savo Bakmaz, CEO of MaxBet, described the creation of SPIS as a vital step towards more transparent operations and a healthier relationship between operators and the state.
“The establishment of SPIS represents a crucial step forward for our market. For the first time, operators and the state can work side by side through a single forum that prioritises transparency, accountability, and player protection.”
“The Serbian market is changing rapidly – both through regulation and international partnerships. “SPIS gives us a unified voice to help guide that evolution responsibly and ensure that operators contribute to long-term, sustainable growth for the economy and local communities.”
Regulatory Reforms
As part of ongoing efforts to regulate the gambling industry, Serbia is introducing new rules that will come into effect in 2025. These include stricter financial transaction monitoring, improved reporting of operator activities, and enhanced technical standards for gaming equipment.
The Ministry of Finance has also launched a nationwide compliance sweep, aiming to ensure all betting and gaming venues adhere to licensing and age-verification standards.
In line with these reforms, President Aleksandar Vučić has tasked the Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Public Health with improving protections for those under 21, including a stronger approach to advertising restrictions.
Growth of International Investment
Serbia’s gambling market is also seeing a surge in foreign investment. Flutter Entertainment acquired a majority stake in MaxBet, Serbia’s second-largest omni-channel sports-betting and gaming operator. Additionally, Golden Matrix Group finalized its acquisition of MeridianBet Group, establishing Serbia as a global hub for multi-jurisdictional operations. This influx of international companies has brought new capital, expertise, and a higher level of competitiveness to the Serbian gambling market.
SPIS’s Social Responsibility Initiative
In addition to its regulatory efforts, SPIS unveiled its first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, “Even One Is Too Many”, developed in partnership with the Special Hospital for Addiction Diseases in Belgrade.
- Check also: BF Games Brings Slots to Mozzart Bet in Serbia
The initiative aims to educate teenagers, particularly in sports clubs, about preventing gambling-related harm and risky behaviors. Former basketball star Igor Rakočević was named SPIS’s first ambassador, underscoring the organization’s commitment to social responsibility and community collaboration. Rakočević told delegates:
“No institution, company, or individual can achieve change alone. Only when we work together, share responsibility, and pursue the common good can we build lasting values.”
SPIS is positioning itself as a key player in Serbia’s evolving gambling landscape, acting as a bridge between the state, industry, and community. As Serbia moves toward a more regulated gambling environment, SPIS’s efforts to promote transparency, responsible gambling, and cooperation will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sector.