🇲🇰For operators · Tax, marketing & compliance
North Macedonia for operators: state monopoly
North Macedonia enforces a state monopoly for all online gambling, and only the state-partnered 2Win.mk is legal. Land-based casinos and betting shops are open to private licensing.
OverviewOverview built from public sources. An in-depth review of North Macedonia is available on request. Request it
Product by product
| Product | Status |
|---|---|
| Online betting · Online casino · Lottery | Limited |
| Online poker | Licensed |
Regulator and player protection in North Macedonia
Self-exclusion scheme
Operator-level self-exclusion
How players exclude themselves; what it covers is in the player guide
Mandatory RG controls
No limit imposed on players
Deposit limits or reality checks the law requires operators to offer
Advertising stance
Most channels open
Whether you can run TV / sponsorship / paid-social campaigns
Which casinos & betting sites are licensed in North Macedonia?
See the full official list of licensed operators and their authorised domains.
Heads-up for operators
3 items · last change 27 Oct 2026
A new Law on Games of Chance and Entertainment Games was adopted by the Assembly on 29 June 2026 (Ministry of Finance); official text being confirmed. An earlier reform bill, submitted in August 2025, was withdrawn from Parliament in April 2026 for revision.
Government Signals Intent to Regulate Fast-Credit Near Gambling Venues
The Prime Minister announced the government is developing rules to limit the proximity of fast-credit lenders to gambling locations to address social harms.
Source: 1
Re-submission of Revised Gambling Law Expected
A revised version of the withdrawn gambling reform bill is expected to be re-introduced to Parliament, with the 500-meter rule and fee increases remaining key points of contention.
Source: 2
Not yet in force: drafts, laws adopted without a start date, and sections of the law still to be commenced. An item moves to the timeline below on the day it takes effect.
Licence Types in North Macedonia
4 licence types are listed for North Macedonia; each says who issues it and what it covers.
| Licence | Regulator | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land-Based Casino License | Ministry of Finance | 6 years | Permits full-scale casino operations including table games and slots. |
| Sports Betting License | Ministry of Finance | 3 years | For operating physical betting shops. |
| Gaming Hall (Slot Club) License | Ministry of Finance | 6 years | Allows for the operation of venues with slot machines/VLTs. |
| Lottery License | Government | Statutory | Reserved as a state monopoly held by the State Lottery. |
Licensing model
North Macedonia has a state-monopoly-only system for all online gambling. The 2011 law does not provide for private online licensing. The state granted exclusive rights in 2014 to a joint venture between the State Lottery (Lotarija na Makedonija) and Casinos Austria International, which operates the sole legal site, 2Win.mk. This creates a dual market: private licensing for land-based venues, but a state monopoly online.
Gambling tax: 20% of GGR
Detail
Land-based operators (casinos, betting shops, slot halls) pay a monthly tax of 20% on Gross Gaming Revenue, in addition to significant annual licence fees (e.g., €600,000 for a casino).
Year-1 cost: fee schedule not yet published
The primary costs for land-based operators are substantial, fixed license fees and a GGR-based tax. A new Law on Games of Chance and Entertainment Games was adopted by the Assembly on 29 June 2026 (Ministry of Finance); official text being confirmed. Its fees are not yet confirmed. Online licenses are not available to private operators.
| Line item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Land-based Casino Licence | no published fee schedule Source3 | Valid for a six-year term. Widely reported as €600,000, but not listed on an official government source. |
| Land-based Sports Betting Licence | no published fee schedule Source3 | Valid for a three-year term. Widely reported as €105,000, but not listed on an official government source. The new law adopted by the Assembly on 29 June 2026 (Ministry of Finance; official text being confirmed) may change it. |
| Gaming Hall (Slot Club) Licence | no published fee schedule Source3 | Valid for a six-year term. Widely reported as €78,750, but not listed on an official government source. The new law adopted by the Assembly on 29 June 2026 (Ministry of Finance; official text being confirmed) may change it. |
| Lottery Licence | State monopoly: no commercial license available. Source4 | Reserved for the State Lottery. |
| Operator GGR Tax | 20% of GGR Source4 | Applied monthly to casinos, betting shops, and slot clubs. |
Year 1 estimate
Year 1 cannot be totalled: official government fee schedule not published.
Estimates require substantial fixed fees for land-based operations, but these are not published on an official government source. A 20% monthly GGR tax also applies.
Which foreign licences North Macedonia accepts
North Macedonia recognises none of these 8 foreign licences.
BlockedMalta (MGA)
Not recognized. The government actively blocks offshore operators via ISP to protect its state monopoly.
United Kingdom (UKGC)
Operators require a local licence, which is not available to private online companies.
Gibraltar (GRA) · Isle of Man (GSC) · Kahnawake (KGC) · Anjouan (AGB) · Alderney (AGCC)Not recognized
Curaçao
Not recognized and subject to active ISP blocking.
Bonus rules: welcome bonuses allowed
Inducement ads: Allowed
The regulatory environment for bonuses is defined by the existing "Law on Games of Chance and Entertainment Games" but is on the cusp of a radical overhaul. Pending legislation, already approved by the cabinet, will introduce a complete ban on all gambling advertising.
What the player can claim
- Welcome bonus
- Allowed
- VIP schemes
- Allowed
- Loyalty schemes
- Allowed
- Cashback
- Allowed
Bonuses and retention tools are permitted for the sole state-licensed online operator, the National Video Lottery.
What the operator can advertise
- Messages ads may not give
- Risk-Free
- Penalties
EUR 500 to EUR 10,000 per offence for a legal entity.
Temporary ban on business activity and criminal proceedings.
Advertising is currently allowed with content restrictions (e.g., not suggesting gambling leads to success). A new law adopted by the Assembly on 29 June 2026 (Ministry of Finance; official text being confirmed) changes the advertising rules.
Advertising: most channels open
North Macedonia maintains a state-monopoly framework for certain online gambling activities, particularly lotteries, while online casino and sports betting are legal for licensed operators. Advertising for online gambling is generally permitted, but with strict content restrictions, including a mandatory responsible-gambling message. There is no explicit divergence in advertising legality between Sportsbook and Online Casino, though platform-specific policies and the state monopoly on lotteries may create practical differences in authorization and keyword availability.
| Channel | Status | Vertical & Platform Split (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Google Search Ads | Licensed operators only | As of March 23, 2026, advertisers require per-country certification, demonstrating “good policy health” and owning a second-level domain, with free hosting or subdomains prohibited. North Macedonia was approved for online gambling content advertising on Google Ads from March 14, 2025.91011 |
| App Store Publishing | Allowed | Real-money gambling apps can be published by licensed operators, but must comply with platform policies like Google Play’s age-restricted content policy (January 28, 2026), requiring age-screen prompts and geofenced access. Only the state-run National Lottery is authorized to offer online lottery services.1213 |
| Google/Apple App Store Ads | Licensed operators only | Promoted listings and Universal App Campaigns for gambling apps are subject to Google’s general gambling advertising policies, requiring certification and adherence to local laws and age restrictions. Apps must include responsible gambling warnings and target only users aged 18+.1014 |
| Meta (FB/IG) | Allowed | As of July 2025, advertisers must obtain Prior Written Permission through Meta’s Permissions and Verifications portal, providing legal business names, websites, and proof of gaming licenses. Ads must not target anyone under 18.1516 |
| TV & Radio | Restricted | Generally, ads for online gambling are permitted, but they must not promote games of chance as a way to achieve social acceptance or financial success, or encourage minors to participate. There are no explicit watershed times or whistle-to-whistle bans currently in effect, and a new law adopted by the Assembly on 29 June 2026 (Ministry of Finance; official text being confirmed) changes the advertising rules.1718 |
| Sponsorships | Allowed | Sponsorships were previously allowed, as evidenced by the State Video Lottery’s sponsorship of the Football Federation of North Macedonia, which was terminated in October 2024 due to license revocation. Current regulations do not explicitly prohibit sponsorships; a new law adopted by the Assembly on 29 June 2026 (Ministry of Finance; official text being confirmed) changes the advertising rules.1819 |
| Digital OOH | Restricted | Recent amendments require casinos and betting shops to be at least 500 meters from schools and religious buildings, which would logically extend to OOH advertising. General advertising rules apply, prohibiting ads that encourage minors; a new law adopted by the Assembly on 29 June 2026 (Ministry of Finance; official text being confirmed) changes the advertising rules.131718 |
Channel rules for North Macedonia reflect each platform's published policy and the sources numbered in each row (listed under Methodology & sources). Verify with the local regulator and your ad-platform account manager before launching.
How North Macedonia enforces against unlicensed operators
The regulator, driven by the need to protect its online state monopoly, is highly aggressive in enforcing rules against unlicensed operators. Enforcement focuses mainly on the online sphere through active and continuous ISP blocking. Land-based enforcement is also active against illegal operations.
- The state has maintained a strict monopoly on all online gambling since 2014, with no private online licenses ever issued.
- Authorities actively and consistently block access to unlicensed international casino domains via Internet Service Providers.
- Multiple legislative proposals between 2024-2026 show a strong political will to impose severe restrictions and financial penalties on the industry, which indicates a low tolerance for non-compliance.
Enforcement cases in North Macedonia: 3 recent
Material regulator actions, court rulings, and high-profile fines from 2016–2026 against operators serving North Macedonia. Each entry includes the technical failure and a one-line read-across for other operators in the market.
- September 2020
Unnamed Illegal Casino Operator
Grey-MarketCriminal proceedingsA police operation closed an illegal casino in the village of Glumovo and led to 35 arrests for illegal gambling, prostitution, and possession of weapons and drugs.
Read-across: This large-scale crackdown on a land-based illegal operation shows the authorities' willingness to take significant action against unlicensed gambling activities.
- February 2024
President of North Macedonia
LicensingLegislation rejectedThe President refused to sign into law amendments that would have significantly increased license fees and restricted the location of gambling venues.
Read-across: The presidential veto showed deep political divisions on gambling regulation and created a period of uncertainty, which shows how volatile the sector's legal framework is.
- April 2026
Government of North Macedonia
LicensingMarket exit riskA draft law proposing a 500-meter distance rule from schools, higher license fees, and an advertising ban was withdrawn from parliament for revision after industry pressure.
Read-across: The withdrawal provides temporary relief, but the persistent legislative uncertainty creates significant long-term investment and operational stability risks for all land-based operators.
Licensed operators: ~1
As of 27 Oct 2026, approximately 1 operator hold an active licence in North Macedonia. Size your entry against this base before committing capital. Check them yourself on the official Public Revenue Office (Ministry of Finance) register, which lists each licensee and its authorised domains.
Notable licensed operators
Sport Life
Mozzart Bet
Senator Macedonia
Casino Flamingo Gevgelija
Traps operators hit in North Macedonia
Specific operational risks that have caught new entrants in this market. Each item is country-specific. Generic gambling-ops issues (KYC, RG tools) are not included unless they have a local twist.
Attempting to Enter the Online Market
The most significant pitfall is misunderstanding the market structure. There is no licensing path for private online operators. All online gambling is the exclusive domain of the state-partnered monopoly, 2Win.mk. Any foreign operator accepting Macedonian players is doing so illegally and will be subject to ISP blocking.
Sources4
Underestimating Legislative Volatility (Land-Based)
The land-based sector faces extreme political and regulatory uncertainty. As multiple attempts to pass restrictive laws between 2024 and 2026 show, operators face the constant threat of sudden, viability-destroying changes, such as the 500-meter school distancing rule, which industry groups claim would close over 90% of existing venues.
Navigating Payment Processing
High-risk offshore merchants face significant barriers. Local banks may block card transactions related to unlicensed offshore gambling sites, which forces reliance on e-wallets or other alternatives that may have their own compliance challenges.
Sources23
Timeline: rules in force
- June 2026
Assembly Adopts the New Law on Games of Chance and Entertainment Games
The new Law on Games of Chance and Entertainment Games was adopted by the Assembly on 29 June 2026 (Ministry of Finance); official text being confirmed.
Source: 24
- April 2026
Government Withdraws Reform Bill Amid Industry Pressure
Facing intense opposition, the government withdrew the draft law from parliamentary procedure for further revision, which created major regulatory uncertainty.
Source: 22
- August 2025
New Government Submits Harsher Reform Bill to Parliament
A newly elected government submitted a comprehensive reform bill that included the 500-meter rule, an advertising ban, and significant fee increases for land-based operators.
Source: 25
- February 2024
President Vetoes Restrictive Gambling Bill
The President refused to sign into law amendments that would have imposed a 500-meter distance rule and increased license fees, and sent them back for reconsideration.
Source: 21
- 2014
Online State Monopoly Established
The state formalized its monopoly over online gambling and granted exclusive rights to the joint venture between the State Lottery and Casinos Austria.
Source: 26
- 2011
Law on Games of Chance and Amusement Games Enacted
The foundational legislation established the current dual-market framework and allowed private land-based operations while reserving online rights for the state.
Source: 4
Operator myths vs reality in North Macedonia
Common assumptions about gambling licensing that turn out to be wrong in practice.
- MythWe can obtain an online gambling license in North Macedonia.Reality
False. There is no mechanism for private or foreign companies to be licensed for online gambling. The market is a state monopoly, and this has been the case since 2014.
Sources4
- MythOur MGA or Curaçao license allows us to accept Macedonian players.Reality
False. North Macedonia does not recognize any foreign licenses. Operators using them to target the market are considered illegal and are subject to aggressive ISP blocking to protect the state monopoly.
Sources27
- MythThe land-based regulatory environment is stable.Reality
The opposite is true. The land-based sector has faced profound regulatory uncertainty since at least early 2024, with multiple attempts to pass laws that would fundamentally alter the market through location restrictions and fee hikes.
Sources21
Markets that work like North Macedonia
Compared on what our records hold for each country: whether online casino, betting, poker and lottery are licensed, state-run or banned, the licensing model, what the operator tax is levied on and its band, how most advertising channels are treated, and how foreign licences are treated. A point we hold for only one of the two countries counts for nothing.
- NigerAI overview
Online casino and betting limited; state monopoly; GGR tax 20–30%.
- MoldovaChecked
Online casino and betting limited; state monopoly; foreign licences mostly blocked.
- CanadaResearched
Online casino limited; poker licensed; GGR tax 20–30%; foreign licences mostly blocked.
- LebanonAI overview
Online casino and betting limited; state monopoly; tax on GGR.
- SenegalAI overview
Betting and lottery limited; state monopoly; GGR tax 20–30%.
Methodology & sources
This page is a Quick AI overview: a summary of public information, not yet checked against the law or the regulator. Treat it as a starting point. It has not yet been through our Deep AI Scan.
How we researchAsk us to run the Deep AI Scan for North Macedonia
Documents cited on this page
- 1Infomax.mk - Fast credits will also be resolved
- 2Source
- 3Schoenherr - Controversial amendments to the Macedonian gambling regulation
- 4Law on Games of Chance and Amusement Games
- 5Law on Games of Chance
- 6CMS Advertising Guide
- 74h.agency on new law
- 8National Video Lottery Docs
- 9MonetizeMore: Google Ads Now Allowed for Online Gambling
- 10Blockchain-Ads: Google Ads Gambling Policy
- 11Tribuna.com: Google Bans Free Hosting for Gambling Ads
- 12iGamingToday.com: Gambling Regulations in North Macedonia
- 13Legal Pilot: Gambling Legal in North Macedonia?
- 14Affnook: Understanding Online Gambling Google Ads Policy
- 15SBC Americas: Meta updates ad rules for real money and social gaming
- 16CDC Gaming: Meta moves to restrict gambling ads
- 17Cms.law: Expert Guide to advertising regulations in North Macedonia
- 18GCA: North Macedonia Suspends Gambling Law for Revision
- 19WorldFootballInsider: North Macedonia loses state lottery sponsor
- 20SBC Eurasia - New government in North Macedonia to tackle controversial Gambling Act
- 21Sigma World - The battle over North Macedonia’s gambling laws
- 22ACE Alliance - North Macedonia withdraws gambling law for revision
- 23PayAtlas - North Macedonia Payment Methods
- 24Ministry of Finance: the Assembly adopted the new Law on Games of Chance and Entertainment Games (29 June 2026)
- 25SBC Eurasia - North Macedonia pushes ahead with gambling law
- 26SlotsUp - Macedonia Online Casinos
- 27Betpack - Online Casinos Macedonia
Looking for the player guide?
For consumer-facing information about gambling in North Macedonia (tax on winnings, where to play legally, self-exclusion options), see the North Macedonia player guide.
Disclaimer. This page reflects the law as we understood it on 27 Oct 2026. Rules change: always check the current position with Public Revenue Office (Ministry of Finance). We are not a legal adviser.