Albania Caps Online Sports Betting Licences at Ten Under New Competitive Framework

Albania has completed the regulatory framework to reopen its online sports betting market, limiting licences to a maximum of 10 operators. The development reverses elements of the 2019 prohibition that removed betting shops, slot halls and online gambling from the legal sector.

Unregulated online sports betting generated an estimated $117 million gross gaming revenue in 2024 and $126 million in 2025. Including online casino and poker, the total unregulated online GGR reached $229 million last year. Prior to the ban, 2018 sports betting turnover stood at €700 million with approximately 4,000 betting shops operating in a population of slightly more than 2.8 million residents.

Licensing Requirements and Competitive Procedure

The Albanian Council of Ministers adopted Decision No. 194 on March 26, 2026, which entered into force on March 30. The Gambling Supervisory Authority and Licensing Commission will run a single-stage process. Applicants have 45 calendar days to submit documents after the competition notice and must pay a non-refundable fee of ALL500,000 (approximately €5,100).

Operators must register as Albanian joint-stock companies, demonstrate experience in at least three EU or OECD markets, show turnover of at least ALL2 billion (approximately €20 million) in the prior financial year, and hold ALL40 million (approximately €400,000) in share capital. A 100-point evaluation system awards up to 30 points for the economic offer, 30 for gambling-sector experience, 20 for organisational capacity, 15 for technology and software, and 5 for a three-year business plan. The minimum licence fee is ALL400 million (approximately €4 million), paid in instalments over the 10-year term.

Controls, Revenue Targets and Market Uncertainties

The online-only structure requires national identity card registration, prohibits cash wagers, and routes all payments through Albanian banks or approved providers. Operators must monitor transactions, retain player records for a minimum of three years, apply the national self-exclusion register, and supply information on risks and winning probabilities. Two licensing violations within three years can trigger suspension of 30 days to two years; a third violation risks revocation.

Licensed operators will direct 15% of GGR to a fund for culture, sport, technology and innovation while paying 15% corporation tax. The government estimates the regulated market could generate about ALL2 billion, or €20 million, in annual public revenue. According to World Casino News, questions persist on the timing of the first licensing round and initial awards. As reported by iGaming Business, commercial law practitioner Hendri Hanaj stated there are “a lot of conditions to get the licence and no Albanian company, at least, would be able to meet them,” suggesting the process targets established international operators. Hanaj added that while appetite for sports betting has faded, the digital model will be “easier for the government to monitor and control.”

The competitive calculus now turns on how many of the ten available licences will be issued in the opening round and whether post-prohibition demand will support viable operations for successful bidders.

Reporting: World Casino News

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