Gambling Age In Northern Macedonia

Minimum Age: 18

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In North Macedonia, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 18. This applies to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms, as per the Law on Games of Chance, enforced to protect minors from gambling-related risks.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is legal and regulated, with 57 casinos and gaming halls, primarily in Skopje and Ohrid, offering slots, poker, and table games. Betting shops are widespread. Venues require ID checks to enforce the 18-year-old age limit, supporting North Macedonia’s growing gambling sector.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is legal and regulated, with a state monopoly operated by Casinos Austria in partnership with the government since 2014, offering sports betting, poker, and lotteries. Private operators are prohibited. Unlicensed offshore sites are blocked, and players using them face legal risks outside North Macedonia’s framework.

Regulation and Oversight: The Ministry of Finance regulates gambling under the Law on Games of Chance of 2011, overseeing compliance and consumer protection. The state monopoly ensures centralized control, with standards for fair play, anti-money laundering, and responsible gambling, though the monopoly has faced scrutiny from the European Commission.

Enforcement and Penalties: North Macedonia enforces its gambling regulations rigorously. The state operator faces inspections to ensure age verification compliance. Violations, such as allowing underage gambling, lead to fines or sanctions. Illegal websites are blocked, and players engaging in underage or unlicensed gambling may face fines, ensuring a controlled gambling environment.