North Macedonia has withdrawn its draft Law on Gambling and Entertainment from Parliament and returned it to the Government for further refinement. The main initiative of the bill—a minimum 500-meter distance between casinos and schools—could lead to the closure of nearly half of all land-based gaming venues. In addition, a ban on gambling advertising and higher fees for operators are expected.
 

Delays in North Macedonia’s Gambling Reform

North Macedonia pulled the draft law from Parliament and sent it back to the Government for revision after several months of inactivity. The timeline for its reconsideration remains unclear, and officials have not indicated when the bill will be resubmitted to the parliamentary agenda.

The draft included a series of restrictions that could significantly reshape the land-based gambling market. The key measure required casinos and gaming halls with slot machines to operate at least 500 metres away from primary and secondary schools; the same rule would also apply to casinos located within hotels.

 

Draft Law Withdrawn After Several Months in Parliament

The Government approved the draft on 16 July 2025 and submitted it to Parliament on 7 August 2025. After that, lawmakers repeatedly delayed its consideration, and the bill remained inactive for several months before being withdrawn from the procedure.

Local media requested clarification regarding the withdrawal, but the Government did not provide additional comments. Officials also did not specify a date for resubmitting the updated version of the law.
 

Core Measures of the Proposed Reform

At the heart of the bill was the requirement for a minimum 500-metre distance for casinos and gaming halls with slot machines. This measure was planned to take effect on 1 July 2027 and would also apply to casinos located inside hotels.

Betting shops without slot machines were not subject to this restriction. In summer 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Izet Mexhiti stated that the Government intended to ban gambling advertising and increase fees for operators of gaming venues.
 

Impact on Land-Based Operators

Industry associations in North Macedonia warned that the new rules could force the closure of roughly half of all land-based gaming venues. Land-based operators are expected to face the greatest challenges due to relocation requirements and rising operational costs.

 

 

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