User:Bager Drukit/Albanian Draft Law on Gambling

The Albanian Parliament is considering a draft law aimed at lifting the nation's five-year prohibition on sports betting, established since 2018. The draft law focuses on enabling regulated online sports betting activities, with stringent conditions to address anti-money laundering and customer protection.

Licensing Requirements
The draft law proposes to issue licenses to a limited number of operators, with a cap set at ten licenses. Prospective operators must be Albanian joint-stock companies, satisfying specific capital and operational standards.

These include a rigorous evaluation of shareholders and managers, a minimum of three years of experience in the gambling industry within EU or OECD countries, and a financial turnover exceeding EUR 20 million

Anticipated Impact
The reintroduction of regulated online sports betting is expected to have a multifaceted impact, from generating additional revenue for the government to enhancing consumer protection and supporting public interest projects. It represents a significant shift in Albania's approach to gambling, aiming for a balance between economic benefits and social responsibility.