TLDR The new Law on Games of Chance and Entertainment Games took effect on July 14, ending a system used since 2011. Online gambling is now fully controlled by a new state-owned joint-stock company. Private operators lost their licenses back in 2024, including Mozzart, NOVO VLT, 77 BITS, Vezuv, and 2Win.mk. Land-based casinos face new distance rules from schools and stricter technical compliance checks. Social media giveaways that use likes, shares, or tags now count as gambling and require a license.
North Macedonia has replaced its online gambling system with a new law. The change ends private company participation in the sector.
The Law on Games of Chance and Entertainment Games began on July 14. It replaces a framework that had been active since 2011.
Lawmakers spent close to three years debating the bill. Several drafts were written and withdrawn before final approval.
State Takes Over Online Betting
Under the old rules, private companies could run online betting sites. The state had to hold at least 51 percent ownership in each venture.
That system let foreign investors partner with the state lottery. It also kept betting activity inside a taxed and licensed market.
The new law removes that option entirely. A single state-owned company will now run all online gambling products.
Private companies can still work with the state. But they can only supply technology or content through public tenders.
The change did not happen overnight. Authorities began pulling licenses from private operators back in September 2024.
Companies affected included NOVO VLT, Mozzart, 77 BITS, Vezuv, and 2Win.mk. Most had worked alongside the state lottery under the older system.
By the end of 2024, only MegaWin remained active online. Its license was tied to ongoing legal proceedings.
Stricter Rules For Casinos And Ads
Land-based casinos and slot