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Main Provisions of the Gambling Ordinance in Albania
Albania's primary gambling legislation, Law No. 155/2015, and its amendment, Law No. 75/2018, outlines the legal framework for gambling in the country. Key provisions include:
The main provisions of Albania's local gambling act, particularly the Federal law 155/2015 and its amendment 75/2018, are as follows:
Legal Status of Different Gambling Forms: The act outlines the legality of various forms of gambling. Land-based casinos are legal in Tirana’s special casino zone or select 5-star hotels and resorts. In contrast, all forms of online casino gaming, including slots, table games, and live casino games, are illegal.
Licensing Requirements: Operators of land-based casinos must obtain a license to offer their services. This legal framework ensures that gambling establishments meet certain standards and regulations.
Age Restrictions: The legal gambling age is set at 21 for entering casinos, while other forms of legal gambling are accessible to those aged 18 and over.
Taxation of Operators and Players: Licensed gambling operators are subject to a 15% tax on their gross revenue. This is in addition to licensing fees and a 3% annual tax on their turnover. For players, gambling winnings derived from Albania-based licensed operators are taxed as personal income, varying rates based on the income bracket.
Regulations on Online Gambling: The act strictly prohibits online casino gaming. The government actively blocks access to offshore online casinos, although there are no legal repercussions for players who access these sites.
Enforcement and Monitoring: The law mandates active enforcement and monitoring of the gambling sector, with specific responsibilities assigned to designated regulatory bodies.
These provisions reflect Albania's cautious approach towards gambling, allowing certain traditional forms while stringently regulating and often prohibiting online gambling activities.
Below, we summarized what to expect for casino gambling in Albania.
