LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS

The main normative act regulating the activity of the organizers and producers in the gaming industry is the Gambling Act (GA). It sets the principles and obligations of the organizers regarding responsible gambling in our country. Restrictions are imposed on gambling advertising to exclude minors from the audience.

To prevent and solve gambling related problems, the organizers of gambling games, as set out in the Gambling Act, shall place warning signs for potential risks at prominent places in all gambling halls, casinos, betting and pay-out points, websites, etc., as well as information on gambling addiction counselling and treatment options.

With an amendment to the Gambling Act (SG, issue 69/04.08.2020) the legislator changed the state supervision in the field of gambling and related activities to be carried out by the executive director of the National Revenue Agency (NRA), or a Deputy Executive Director authorized by him.

NRA keeps registers under Art. 20 of the Gambling Act, available to all organizers of gambling activities and citizens in the section “Registers under the Gambling Act“.

Article 10a of the Gambling Act provides for mandatory contributions for socially responsible behaviour on an annual basis, which enter the budget of the National Revenue Agency and are provided by transfer from the budget of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to finance approved projects for youth activities.

The National Revenue Agency also created and maintains a “Register of Vulnerable Persons”. It is intended for allthose who believe they have a gambling problem, as well as those whose social situation and/or level of income may make them susceptible to developing dependency. This Register is created in order to prevent such vulnerable people from gambling. Officials appointed by the Executive Director of the National Revenue Agency have access to the data in the Register, as well as employees appointed by the organizers of the gambling games /Article 10e, paragraph 2 of the Gambling Act/. For the period from 12.12.2020 to 12.12.2022 the keeping of a register of vulnerable persons under Article 10e of the Gambling Act, as well as access to it, has been suspended.

This is how:

Before you start playing, find out the rules of the game
Before you start playing, set a budget and follow it. Don’t borrow money.
Set a time before you start the game and stick to it
Rest often
Don’t chase losses. Accept them as a fee to be paid for the entertainment provided.
Stop the game when you spent your budget or when you decide you have won
Combine the game with other entertainment
Learn about the symptoms of gambling addiction.

Potential risks

Like many other activities, the fun of the game can develop into a behavioural disorder that can be addictive. Here are some of the cues that can help you determine what role the game plays in your life – whether it’s just for fun or there’s a second plan:

I want to play more and more, especially after losing;

It seems to me that when I start winning, it will last forever;

It’s hard for me to stop, even when I promise not to play again;

I’m having financial difficulties because I’m spending my savings to play gambling games;

I play during working hours (in front of the computer), trying to recoup my losses and/or gain more;

Any other activity or hobby that I usually enjoy is starting to become an unwanted obligation.

Играя отговорно

LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS