If Montenegro isn’t on your radar, it should be; the small but growing market is expected to be worth more than $20 million in 2025.
Opening an online casino in Montenegro requires a gaming license, which can only be obtained by holders of a local land-based gaming license. Learn more about the requirements, the licensing process, and the benefits of doing business in this country in our article.
Gambling regulations in Montenegro
Gambling in the country has been legal since 2006, while online gambling in Montenegro was legalized in 2011. Gambling is regulated by the Law on Gambling, which defines the rights and obligations of gambling establishments.
For now, gambling laws and regulations in Montenegro are fairly limited. There are only standard advertising restrictions for the protection of minors, which apply to every industry, and few — if any — restrictions on the location of electronic gambling machines.
However, in 2020, authorities announced their intent to update the country’s gambling laws to bring them into line with European standards. In early 2021, after a two-month public hearing period, the government introduced a draft law including a number of regulatory updates.
According to the draft law, electronic gambling machines would only be allowed in gambling establishments, gambling establishments would be required to be at least 200 meters away from schools, players would have to submit more personal information when signing up for an account, and players would also be prohibited from visiting offshore sites.
Gambling licensees’ requirements in Montenegro would include proving that player winnings are paid out, adherence to AML procedures, reporting suspicious activity, and maintaining a physical presence in Montenegro.
There would also be new capital requirements for licensees:
- €550,000 for casinos.
- €500,000 for online gambling.
- €500,000 for lotteries.
- €250,000 for betting.
- €75,000 for raffles.
However, this bill has not yet been passed.
Gambling regulations were amended in 2024 to prohibit the use of modern electronic payment methods. This included popular forms of digital payments such as Apple Pay, PayPal, mobile money transfer services and others. The amendment was met with significant opposition, leading to a petition that amassed 25,000 signatures, representing approximately 5% of the country's registered voters.
These measures have drawn criticism from various sources, including the European Union. Critics hold that the amendments contradict EU principles, isolate Montenegro from global financial practices, increase the risk of money laundering, and undermine investor confidence.
Montenegro casino license requirements and documents
To establish a gambling business in Montenegro, a company must meet certain mandatory requirements, which vary depending on the type of activity. The primary requirement for all operators is to register the company in Montenegro as an LLC or JSC.
The company is required to have at least one shareholder and one director. Management positions, on the other hand, can be filled without having to satisfy residency requirements. However, shareholders, directors, and managers must be drug-free and have no criminal record.
In order to apply for the operation of a casino, the operator must provide the following documents:
- Company name and location.
- Company registration document.
- Memorandum of association.
- Proof of the minimum share capital of €300,000.
- A three-year business plan.
- Details of games that will be provided.
- Game rules.
- Background and details of key personnel.
- Casino rules.
- Technical specifications of gaming machines.
- Background check of key personnel.
- Proof the applicant either owns the casino premises or has the legal right to use them.
- Proof the applicant has a bank deposit or guarantee of €90,000 to pay out player winnings.
The process can be complicated, but complying with all the requirements ensures that you can operate legally in one of the emerging gambling markets.
How to obtain a gambling license in Montenegro
There are several key steps in the process of applying for a gaming license in Montenegro:
- Eligibility check
Ensure that the company meets the basic criteria for conducting business in Montenegro, including financial stability, a lack of recorded legal violations, and compliance with local laws. This stage of the process is very strict because Montenegro is committed to protecting the integrity of its gambling industry.
- Preparation of documents
Collect the necessary documentation: a business plan, financial statements and a detailed description of your business. A structured business plan demonstrates your commitment to operating your business responsibly and legally.
- Applying for a gambling license in Montenegro
The next step is to submit all relevant documents to Montenegrin Games of Chance Administration (AGC). This officially initiates the licensing process.
- Application processing
AGC will review your application, assessing your financial stability, business strategy, and criminal background. This process may require a significant investment of time, so be prepared to be patient.
- Inspection
AGC offers facility inspections to verify that your premises comply with industry standards. This essential step ensures that your physical facilities are prepared for their intended use.
- Decision on issuance
After a detailed analysis, the application will either be approved or rejected. Approval will entitle you to operate legally in the gaming industry in Montenegro.
This process requires preparation and strict compliance. However, successful completion opens the door to a promising iGaming market in Montenegro.
Gambling fees and taxes in Montenegro
In order to operate in the gaming industry in Montenegro, operators must be prepared to pay various fees depending on the type of license and the scope of their operations. These costs for a gambling license in Montenegro include initial application fees, annual license fees and the cost of financial soundness checks.
In addition to license fees, operators must pay income taxes. Montenegro offers competitive tax rates, making it attractive for business.
Base fees for different categories of activities:
- Virtual casinos and betting shops: fixed monthly fee of €10,000.
- Land-based casinos: 10% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) plus a fixed annual fee of €50,000.
- Land-based betting shops: 10% of GGR and an additional flat fee of €500 per month per outlet.
- Lottery and Bingo: 10% of the amount calculated as the difference between the number of tickets sold and the prize pool.
This fee and tax structure makes Montenegro a favorable choice for operators looking to enter the gambling market.
What do you need to start a gambling business in Montenegro?
Starting an online gambling business in Montenegro is like starting one anywhere else. There are concrete steps you can take:
- Make a business plan and incorporate a business.
- Acquire a license.
- Build a platform.
- Integrate game content and payment systems.
- Start marketing.
Get in touch with us to find out more about starting an online casino or sportsbook business today.
