The Montenegrin government has recommended that Parliament reject an amendment imposing a minimum distance of 80 metres between new betting shops, gaming halls and other gambling venues, arguing that the measure would protect incumbent locations without reducing existing market concentration.
The proposal was submitted by MPs Vaso Obradović and Milica Rondović, members of New Serb Democracy —NSD—, a Montenegrin political party. The separation would be measured in a straight line between the entrances of two establishments offering lottery products or special games of chance.
Milica Rondović
Venues authorised before the provision takes effect would remain exempt. Obradović and Rondović argue that the restriction would gradually reduce exposure to gambling and protect young people and local communities. The initiative follows a request submitted to the Ministry of Finance by the NGO Oči Podgorice, supported by the Parents Association of Montenegro.
Novica Vuković
The Ministry of Finance, headed by Novica Vuković, responded that the rule would prevent new openings but would neither close nor relocate existing venues. In its assessment, it would provide a permanent advantage to companies controlling the most profitable locations and undermine equal competition.
Milojko Spajić
The government of Milojko Spajić adopted that position on July 23, 2026, although it does not bind lawmakers. Montenegro has a unicameral Parliament, chaired by Andrija Mandić; no senators are involved. The amendment remains pending before Parliament. The underlying legislation is the Games of Chance Act, published in Official Gazette No. 91/2025 and effective since August 14, 2025. It currently requires gambling venues to remain at least 150 metres from educational institutions.
The Games of Chance Administration, led since March by Spasoje Papić, oversees the market, while Nataša Mijatović heads its operational gambling division. Since August 2025, inspectors have seized 40 illegal machines and terminals across seven municipalities. Gambling-related public revenue reached €24.57 million between January and June 2026, up 35.90% year-on-year. Reported figures of 50 slot venues, 18 betting outlets and two casinos lack the official breakdown required to classify them reliably as physical establishments.
