Serbia launches SPIS to strengthen responsible gambling

Serbia has taken a significant step to enhance the governance and reputation of its gambling sector with the launch of a new trade and standards body, the Association of Games of Chance Organisers (SPIS). The organization is designed to promote a safer, more transparent, and cooperative gambling environment, addressing both public concerns and the industry’s need for structured self-regulation. By fostering responsible gambling practices and encouraging collaboration between operators, regulators, and civil society, SPIS is positioning itself as a cornerstone in Serbia’s ongoing efforts to modernize and regulate its gambling market.

Launching the new initiative

The establishment of SPIS was officially announced during a high-profile ceremony held at the Sava Center in Belgrade. The event brought together key stakeholders, including leading figures from the gambling sector, government representatives, business partners, and members of civil society. The inauguration was marked by the appointment of Nevena Marković as the inaugural Director of SPIS, signaling the start of a new chapter for the Serbian gambling industry.

Marković highlighted the dual nature of the sector, emphasizing both its economic importance and the need to demonstrate its commitment to responsible entertainment. She stated:

“Our industry employs thousands of people, contributes to public revenues, and invests in technology. But it is equally important to show society that games of chance can be safe and responsible entertainment.”

She outlined SPIS’s mission to foster transparency, cooperation, and responsible practices across the gambling sector:

“SPIS was founded to systematically cultivate these values through codes of conduct, education, and active cooperation with the state and the civil sector. Our ambition is to be a reliable partner in shaping the future of this industry.”

Goals of SPIS

SPIS is tasked with implementing a comprehensive framework to guide the development of Serbia’s gambling sector. The organization’s objectives are multifaceted, with a focus on corporate responsibility, enhanced industry standards, and robust player protection. By collaborating closely with government authorities and civil society organizations, SPIS aims to establish a sustainable and cooperative industry that benefits both operators and players.

A core aspect of SPIS’s strategy is improving public trust. Transparency and accountability are central to the organization’s vision, ensuring that the gambling sector is perceived not just as a source of revenue, but as a responsible and socially conscious part of Serbia’s economy. This is particularly important in light of growing international scrutiny and the increasing presence of foreign investors in the market.

Industry collaboration and leadership

SPIS unites Serbia’s leading gambling operators under a single umbrella, including prominent companies such as Mozzart and MaxBet. These operators are committed to working with SPIS to enhance operational standards, improve player protection, and strengthen cooperation between the industry and regulatory authorities.

Savo Bakmaz, CEO of MaxBet, described the formation of SPIS as a pivotal moment for the sector:

“The establishment of SPIS represents a crucial step forward for our market. For the first time, operators and the state can work side by side through a single forum that prioritises transparency, accountability, and player protection.”

Bakmaz emphasized the changing dynamics of the Serbian market:

“The Serbian market is changing rapidly – both through regulation and international partnerships. SPIS gives us a unified voice to help guide that evolution responsibly and ensure that operators contribute to long-term, sustainable growth for the economy and local communities.”

The creation of SPIS provides a platform for collaboration, where the sector can collectively address challenges, adopt best practices, and ensure consistent compliance with national and international standards. By fostering dialogue between operators and regulators, SPIS aims to streamline processes and reduce the risks associated with uncoordinated regulation.

Regulatory reforms shaping the market

SPIS’s launch comes amid broader regulatory reforms designed to strengthen Serbia’s gambling framework. From 2025, the country will implement stricter rules governing financial transactions, operator reporting, and technical standards for gaming equipment. These measures are intended to protect players, prevent illicit activity, and maintain a level playing field for all operators.

The Ministry of Finance has also initiated a comprehensive compliance sweep to verify that all betting and gaming venues adhere to licensing requirements, age verification standards, and other regulatory obligations. These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to aligning Serbia’s gambling sector with international best practices.

President Aleksandar Vučić has highlighted the importance of safeguarding young people from gambling-related harm. He has tasked the Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Public Health with enhancing protections for individuals under the age of 21, including implementing stricter advertising restrictions and awareness programs.

International investment and market growth

Serbia’s gambling market is attracting increasing levels of foreign investment, bringing additional expertise, technology, and capital. Flutter Entertainment’s acquisition of a majority stake in MaxBet, Serbia’s second-largest omni-channel sports-betting and gaming operator, represents one of the most notable transactions in recent years. Similarly, Golden Matrix Group’s acquisition of MeridianBet Group has positioned Serbia as a hub for multi-jurisdictional gambling operations.

These international partnerships are driving innovation and competition, prompting domestic operators to adopt higher operational standards and improve customer protection. SPIS plays a central role in ensuring that this influx of foreign investment contributes positively to the local economy while upholding the highest ethical and regulatory standards.

SPIS’s social responsibility initiative

Beyond regulatory oversight, SPIS is actively promoting social responsibility through its first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, titled “Even One Is Too Many.” Developed in partnership with the Special Hospital for Addiction Diseases in Belgrade, the initiative focuses on educating teenagers, particularly within sports clubs, about gambling-related risks and responsible behaviors.

Former basketball star Igor Rakočević was named as SPIS’s first ambassador, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to community engagement and collaborative efforts. Speaking at the launch event, Rakočević emphasized the importance of collective responsibility:

“No institution, company, or individual can achieve change alone. Only when we work together, share responsibility, and pursue the common good can we build lasting values.”

The program is expected to create long-term awareness and behavioral change, targeting both young players and the wider public. By involving community leaders, educators, and sports figures, SPIS aims to embed responsible gambling values throughout Serbian society.

SPIS as a bridge for the future

SPIS is positioned not only as a regulator-adjacent body but also as a strategic partner for the industry and the state. By establishing codes of conduct, promoting education, and facilitating collaboration, SPIS seeks to unify the gambling sector and enhance Serbia’s international reputation.

As Serbia continues to modernize its gambling regulations, the role of SPIS will be critical in ensuring that the sector evolves responsibly. Its focus on transparency, corporate responsibility, and social engagement demonstrates a comprehensive approach to balancing economic growth with public safety.

The establishment of SPIS signals a new era for Serbia’s gambling industry—one characterized by cooperation, accountability, and sustainable growth. By fostering trust between operators, regulators, and communities, SPIS is helping to shape a safer, more credible, and globally competitive market.

Conclusion

The launch of SPIS marks a pivotal moment for Serbia’s gambling sector. By promoting responsible practices, enhancing transparency, and encouraging collaboration between operators, regulators, and civil society, SPIS is creating a framework for sustainable growth. Its social responsibility initiatives, coupled with strong regulatory reforms and international investment, position Serbia as a model for a modern, cooperative gambling industry. Through these efforts, the country is ensuring that gambling remains not only a significant contributor to the economy but also a safe and responsible form of entertainment.

FAQs

What is SPIS in Serbia?
SPIS is the Association of Games of Chance Organisers, a trade and standards body established to enhance transparency, cooperation, and responsible practices in Serbia’s gambling industry.

Who leads SPIS?
Nevena Marković serves as the inaugural Director of SPIS.

What are SPIS’s main goals?
SPIS aims to promote responsible gambling, improve industry standards, protect players, and foster cooperation between operators, regulators, and civil society.

Which companies are members of SPIS?
Prominent members include Mozzart and MaxBet, along with other leading domestic gambling operators.

How does SPIS support responsible gambling?
SPIS implements codes of conduct, educational initiatives, and social responsibility programs such as “Even One Is Too Many” to reduce gambling-related harm.

What regulatory reforms are affecting Serbia’s gambling sector?
New regulations include stricter financial monitoring, enhanced reporting requirements, technical standards for gaming equipment, and stronger age-verification rules.

How is Serbia attracting international investment in gambling?
Companies such as Flutter Entertainment and Golden Matrix Group have invested in Serbian operators, bringing expertise, capital, and global competitiveness.

Who is the ambassador for SPIS’s CSR initiative?
Former basketball star Igor Rakočević serves as SPIS’s first ambassador, promoting community engagement and responsible gambling awareness.

How does SPIS collaborate with the government?
SPIS works closely with state authorities to align industry practices with regulatory requirements and improve public trust in the gambling sector.

Why is SPIS important for Serbia’s gambling industry?
SPIS provides a unified forum for operators and regulators, ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth while fostering safe and responsible gambling.