The Albanian Council of Ministers has approved two legislative acts related to online betting regulations on June 26. These acts are amendments to the gambling law 155/2015. The first act outlines the procedures and timelines for the suspension and revocation of online betting licenses, while the second establishes rules for a special fund created from gambling activities.
Key points highlighted by iGN include:
License Suspension and Revocation:
- Licenses can be suspended or revoked if the operator no longer meets the basic licensing criteria after obtaining the license.
- For specific violations of law 155/2015, including failure to meet obligations to the AMLF, licenses can be revoked without prior suspension.
- A second similar violation within three years leads to license suspension, while a third results in revocation.
- If there are debts to the gambling regulator AMLF or to winning players, the operator's activities will be blocked for 30 days. If debts remain unpaid, the regulator will request the Commission to suspend the license.
- The winner of the licensing competition must freeze the guarantee fund for player payouts within 30 days; otherwise, the Commission will initiate suspension and revocation of the license.
- License suspension lasts from 30 days until the violations are rectified, but not longer than two years.
- The final order for suspension or revocation is issued by the Minister of Finance, and operators have the right to appeal in court.
Rules for the Gambling Special Fund:
- The fund is managed by the AMLF, which maintains its bank account, tracks payments, and verifies documentation.
- Funds are allocated only for projects approved by the Project Support Council.
- If funds are misused, the AMLF will suspend payments and demand their return.
- The regulator will publish a list of recipients along with amounts and funding purposes.
Both acts will be published in the official gazette of Albania. The licensing document will come into effect 15 days after publication, while the special fund rules will take effect immediately.