Albania parliament votes to legalize online sports betting after blanket ban in 2018

Albania's parliament has voted to reinstate online gambling after imposing a blanket ban in 2018. The new legislation permits online-only sports betting, managed by ten designated companies vetted by a specialized "Commission of Licenses," in charge of setting out the criteria for election.

"Online sports bets are bets placed on dedicated, authorized, and monitorable websites, applications or electronic platforms of licensed entities, in accordance with the provisions of this law, for sports events and/or sports games ... and do not include track races," the new law specifies.

"The Licensing Commission designs and proposes programs dedicated to the protection of the players, which are approved by joint instruction of the minister responsible for finance and the minister responsible for social affairs," it adds.

The parliamentary session surrounding the passage of this legislation was marked by tension, with opposition MPs expressing strong dissent. Rigels Xhemollari, representing the Tirana-based Qendresa Qytetare (Citizens’ Resistance) organization, criticized the move, referencing Prime Minister Edi Rama's previous characterization of gambling as detrimental to society.

"Unfortunately, 72 MPs voted today for the 'The Resumption of Stupidity,' a law that restores 'Death,' according to PM Edi Rama in 2015, the influence of crime in sports betting, and the social drama of people who have addictions," Xhemollari lamented.

Prime Minister Rama's suggestion to reintroduce online gambling in September 2022 faced considerable backlash from experts and political opponents alike. Despite the initial ban enacted by the governing Socialist Party in 2018, Rama highlighted the challenge of curbing online gambling effectively, citing ongoing illicit activities and the involvement of organized crime elements.

The government targeted the illegal gambling market through an operation called 'End of the Madness' in 2013, and in 2015 passed a law intended to reduce this activity. However, gambling flourished even more after the adoption of the new law, which prompted the government to impose a complete ban in 2018.

While critics argue against the potential social ramifications and increased criminal influence, proponents assert that legalization and regulation provide a more effective means of managing the industry and safeguarding consumer interests.

"It is a pity for this activity to be carried out by people who break the law and where high-profile elements in organised crime are active and making completely unreasonable profits,” Rama said during a public hearing with sports federations in 2022, noting it was almost "impossible" to curb online gambling, based on consultations he had made.