Obtaining a gambling license in Montenegro

Montenegro is a country where most casinos are concentrated in tourist areas, including hotels and resorts. The current gambling law regulates the operations of gambling establishments, defining their rights and obligations.

Casinos are actively supported by the state, allowing them to offer substantial payouts in lotteries and various gambling games.

To start a gambling business—whether land-based or online—every entrepreneur must obtain the appropriate license.

Online casinos can attract players from different countries, provided that both operators and players comply with Montenegrin laws.

Montenegrin legislation permits online gambling, granting access to it via the internet or other communication channels. However, this requires obtaining a special online gaming license. It is important to note that such a license is only issued to operators who already hold a land-based gambling permit. In other words, an online license serves as an extension of an existing license rather than a standalone document.

The online gaming license does not impose restrictions on the types of games, allowing operators to offer any form of entertainment, regardless of their primary land-based license. Thus, a holder of any land-based gambling license gains the right to provide a wide range of online gaming options—including sports betting, casino games, slots, bingo, fantasy sports, and more—without any restrictions on the type or number of games offered.

Who needs a Gambling License in Montenegro?

A gambling license in Montenegro is required for legal entities intending to organize gambling activities within the country. This applies to casinos, betting shops, slot machine halls, and other businesses related to gambling.

Montenegro regulates this sector through licensing to ensure the legality and security of operations, as well as the protection of players' rights. The license is issued by a government authority that monitors compliance with established requirements, such as the company’s financial stability, the presence of qualified personnel, and adherence to fair gaming rules.

To obtain a license, a company must submit an application and provide the necessary documents proving its compliance with legal regulations.

Why is a Gambling License required in Montenegro?

A gambling license in Montenegro serves several key purposes:

Legitimacy: gambling operations in Montenegro are state-regulated, and holding a license confirms that the business operates legally. This helps avoid fines and other penalties for illegal activities.
Oversight and consumer protection: the government ensures that gambling operators act fairly and transparently. This includes auditing financial reports, enforcing user data protection mechanisms, and complying with responsible gaming rules.
Financial stability: to obtain a license, operators must prove their financial reliability, guaranteeing their ability to pay out player winnings and meet other financial obligations.
Security: licensed operators are required to implement player safety measures, including safeguards against fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities.
Tax Revenue: Gambling licenses enable the government to regulate tax contributions from operators, which serve as a significant source of state budget income.
Reputation: Holding a license enhances trust among clients and partners, as it demonstrates compliance with high industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements for obtaining a Gambling License in Montenegro

The general requirement for any operator is to be registered in Montenegro as a limited liability company or joint-stock company. Additional specific requirements, such as minimum share capital, the amount of mandatory bank guarantee for payment of fees and winnings, or personnel requirements, are established separately for each license type and are described below.

Montenegrin legislation does not permit organizing bets on political election results, and owners or shareholders of sports clubs cannot simultaneously be providers of sports betting on the results of sports in which their club plays, or on the results in the league where their club competes.

The validity period of a bookmaker's license is three years, but it can be extended for another two years through a simple procedure. Operators must have a separate license for each betting facility they operate. All bookmakers must be connected via internet to the regulator's system.

When applying for a bookmaker's license, confirmation of payment of the minimum share capital of 75,000 euros is required, as well as confirmation of a bank deposit or bank guarantee in the amount of 30,000 euros (as security for payment of fees and winnings).

Documents required for obtaining a Gambling License in Montenegro

Company registration certificate
Articles of Association
Three-year business plan
Proof that company executives have no convictions for economic crimes and are not currently under investigation for such offenses
Proof of ownership or lease agreement for business premises (for land-based licenses)
Game rules and descriptions
Confirmation of minimum share capital payment
Evidence of technical requirements fulfillment
Bank deposit confirmation or bank guarantee
Proof of payment of the administrative fee.

Our services in obtaining a gambling license in Montenegro

Obtaining a gambling license in Montenegro is a complex process that requires in-depth knowledge of local legislation and experience working with government authorities. The law firm Law & Trust offers comprehensive services to guide you through the gambling license application process, helping clients minimize risks and save time.

Business Plan Analysis and Legal Audit. Law & Trust experts conduct a thorough review of your business plan, verify its compliance with Montenegrin legislation, and identify potential risks.
Document Preparation. We assist in preparing the complete set of required documents, including corporate documents, financial statements, and business development plans.
Submission to Regulatory Authorities. Law & Trust handles all communication with government agencies, ensuring timely submission of all necessary applications and documents.
Taxation and Financial Accounting Consultations. Clients receive expert advice on tax planning and accounting to optimize costs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Process Monitoring and Support. We track the status of your application and promptly resolve any issues that arise, ensuring the fastest possible processing time.