Why Montenegro Has Turned into a Hotspot for Virtual Gambling Startups in 2025

A stable regulatory structure, increasing European alignment, and a taxation policy that does not strangle growth looks like a perfect recipe for a casino operation. This is all about Montenegro, a small Balkan state, as a promising jurisdiction for the iGaming business.

This compact country is quietly turning into a hot spot for gambling investors. The iGaming market here is set to cross the $23 million mark in 2025. That is a solid number for a country with a bit more than 600 thousand residents.

If you seek a manageable entry into the European gambling space, Online Casino Market will gladly guide you into the Montenegrin area. Order a turnkey or a White Label solution with a focus on this appealing location.

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Legal Background with Growing Potential

Montenegro’s journey into the gambling world officially began in 2006, when the government gave the green light to land-based casinos. It was not until 2011, though, that online activities became legal. Since then, the country has slowly been shaping its digital gambling environment. The foundation is built on the Law on Gambling, which outlines what operators can and cannot do.

Right now, the rules are relatively relaxed. There are basic advertising limitations, mostly aimed at protecting minors. There are not many location restrictions for electronic gambling machines. This light-touch regulation has made Montenegro a curious yet appealing destination for operators.

In 2020, Montenegro’s authorities announced their intent to modernise the gambling sector and bring it closer to European standards.

A draft law was followed in 2021:

• stricter player verification;
• restrictions on offshore gambling;
• mandatory minimum distances between gaming venues and schools.

It also introduced new capital requirements depending on the gambling activity (e.g., €500,000 for online casinos). However, as of now, this draft has not made it into law.

In 2024, though, a controversial amendment banned modern e-payment methods like Apple Pay, PayPal, and mobile money services. The reaction was swift and fierce. A public petition gathered 25,000 signatures, and the European Union itself criticised the move that increased the risk of money laundering.

In general, Montenegro’s regulatory landscape has not found its stability. While the rules are still operator-friendly, new laws could tighten things up in the near future. If you plan to enter the market, now might be the right time, although you should keep in mind upcoming changes.

The Licensing Structure

A digital casino in Montenegro has to tick a few important legal boxes. Most crucially, you must hold or be affiliated with a local land-based licence.

Once you clear that, the rest comes down to standard but thorough requirements. To start with, your project must be officially registered locally as a limited liability (LLC) or a joint-stock company (JSC). You only need one shareholder and one director to set up. There are no residency requirements for key staff, although everyone involved must have no criminal record.

A simplified checklist of what you need to apply for:

• a registered entity in Montenegro (LLC or JSC);
• company name and registered address;
• memorandum of association;
• certificate of registration;
• proof of minimum share capital (€300,000 for casinos);
• a detailed three-year business plan;
• a list and description of games to be offered;
• rules and internal casino procedures;
• technical specs for any gaming machines;
• personal data and background checks for key personnel;
• proof of ownership or legal right to use the casino premises;
• bank guarantee or deposit of €90,000 to cover player winnings.

While the list may seem long, it is all part of demonstrating that you are serious, financially stable, and ready to operate transparently.

How to Get a Gambling Permit in Montenegro

While the process demands careful preparation, it rewards those who follow the rules with full legal access to an emerging iGaming market.

Key steps to licence acquisition:

1. Check your eligibility. Ensure your business meets all the basic legal and financial criteria, including company registration in Montenegro and compliance with local anti-money laundering laws.
2. Prepare the necessary documents. Gather essential paperwork such as your business plan, proof of capital, game details, and background checks for key personnel.
3. Apply the GCA. File all documents with the Games of Chance Administration, the official regulatory body in charge of gaming activities.
4. Wait for the application review. The GCA will assess your business model, financial capacity, and overall compliance (may take some time, so patience is key).
5. Complete an on-site inspection. If required, the GCA will investigate your facilities to ensure they meet technical and operational standards.
6. Receive the final decision. Once everything checks out, your application will either be approved or rejected with reasons provided.

The process ensures that only reliable, well-prepared operators enter the Montenegrin market.

Licensing Expenditures and Taxes

While the country offers competitive financial rates, you will still need to factor in fixed and variable fees based on your gambling activity.

Operators are required to cover application costs, annual licence deductions, and additional expenses related to regulatory checks. On top of that, you will be subject to income taxes and monthly operational fees based on your business type.

Key financial obligations to deal with:

• fixed fee every month of €10,000 for virtual casinos and online betting;
• 10% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) plus a fixed annual fee of €50,000 for land-based establishments;
• 10% of GGR and €500 monthly per outlet for ground betting shops;
• 10% of the difference between ticket sales and prize payouts for lottery and bingo operations.

Montenegro’s favourable tax regime is one of the reasons many operators consider this market. It allows you to maintain profitability and comply with legal obligations.

Benefits and Challenges

Montenegro may not be Europe’s gambling capital, but it has plenty of advantages for investors.

Main benefits of launching an online casino in Montenegro:

1. Favourable tax conditions. Modest monthly and annual fees, as well as competitive tax rates, maximise operators’ profits and let them stay fully legal.
2. Strategic location. Montenegro offers access to nearby regulated markets without the high costs of Western European operation.
3. Flexible company setup. Shareholders and directors are not required to be residents, so the registration becomes more accessible to foreign investors.
4. Light regulatory burden. While some reforms are on the horizon, the current framework remains relatively relaxed, especially compared to stricter EU jurisdictions.
5. Growing local market. Online gambling popularity is on the rise right now, so early sector entry may secure you a strong foothold before the landscape becomes crowded.

A few challenges to be aware of:

• uncertain regulatory changes;
• ban on modern payment methods;
• negative reactions from the EU.

Montenegro presents broad opportunities. The market welcomes innovation but expects you to keep a close watch on evolving rules. If you are prepared to adapt, the country offers a surprisingly solid foundation for online gambling.

The Main Things about a Digital Casino in Montenegro

This small Balkan country is certainly one of the most intriguing for gambling entrepreneurs who look for growth and legal clarity. A combination of favourable tax policies, flexible setup conditions, and EU adjacency makes the country a particularly appealing destination.

Key aspects about the iGaming business in the region:

• Montenegro has regulated online gambling since 2011 and continues to adjust its legal framework.
• To apply for a licence, you need a locally registered company, a solid business plan, and proof of financial stability (a minimum capital of €300,000).
• The licensing process involves steps like eligibility checks and facility inspections, as well as requires coordination with the Games of Chance Administration.
• Monthly and annual fees vary depending on the type of gambling activity, but they are relatively low compared to Western European standards.

Get in touch with the Online Casino Market team to receive expert support for licensing, company registration, and software integration in Montenegro. Order a turnkey or a White Label solution for a quick start in a quickly developing destination.

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