Discussion on the Law on Games of Chance Completed: Abolition of Concessions and Higher Fees Proposed

The debate on the Law on Games of Chance has concluded in the Parliament and MPs will vote later. This law introduces innovations such as the abolition of concessions and the transition to issuing permits to organizers, an increase in most fees by 50 percent, restrictions on advertising and the introduction of player registration.

The Ministry of Finance expects this law to increase state revenues and allow for greater control over the sector, while organizers believe that they are being subjected to major restrictions, fees, and limitations.

Minister of Finance Novica Vuković emphasized that the Law on Games of Chance is based on four models for better legal regulation - the transition from concessions to approvals for organizers, the second one concerning the protection of minors, the prevention of money laundering, and the fourth one concerning fees.

Earlier today, at a meeting of the Economy Committee, Vuković said that he had never felt pressure like when dealing with this topic, and from all sides.

He pointed out that the implementation of the existing model would allow organizers to continue their work without sufficient supervision, so they believe that in this way the shadow economy will be reduced and reduced.

The Democratic Party of Socialists parliamentary group reiterated the thesis that could be heard at the session of the Committee on Economy, namely that the organizers are protecting their interests and want to avoid costs, while the Government wants higher revenues - with no one taking into account those who gamble, especially minors. They said that there is a huge percentage of gamblers in Montenegro.

Civic Movement URA MP Zoran Mikić added that this law could indirectly cause budget consequences and lower revenues, and that they want at least ten percent of these revenues to be used to help institutions that treat those addicted to gambling, as well as junior sports clubs. He stated that he would submit an amendment to this effect.

Democratic People's Party MP Milan Knežević stressed that the state must not change the market and thus create a monopoly, which it will exploit through the newly formed state lottery. He added that he is personally in favor of closing betting shops, but if income must be generated - the sector must be regulated so that there is no favoritism and everyone has the same conditions.

He called for special attention and control to be paid to illegal betting.

The Socialist People's Party parliamentary group has announced its support for this law.

The Europe Now Movement stated that these measures will lead to more transparent processes, more efficient monitoring of money flows and voter behavior, operators, along with greater fiscal control and revenue for the state treasury.

Democrats stated that this sector has not been playing by the rules for decades, and that the number of pathological gamblers has been growing for years, so they also announced their support for amendments regarding gambling advertising.