Serbia Cracks Down On Unlicensed Operators

This story was published more than 12 years ago.

The government of Serbia has begun blocking online casino websites as part of its crackdown on unlicensed operators in the European nation.

A report in the Blic Newspaper has reported that the Serbian Gaming Board is demanding that the country's Internet Service Providers block 70 foreign online betting sites. The list reportedly includes, Bet-at-home, Betfair, Bwin, Bet365, Ladbrokes, Skybet, William Hill, and 888.

The move by the government has not been responded to by the ISPs, as they are currently getting advice from their legal representatives. INET Director Vojislav Rodic has said that the directive must only be obeyed if the measure has been approved by the judiciary system.

The blockade by the government comes after the Eastern European country announced last November that it would regulate online gambling. The Serbian Gaming Board has reportedly threatened to consult other regulating bodies if the casino operators continue to operate illegally.

Commenting on the situation, Serbian Gamin Board Director Aleksandar Vulović said "We had to prevent access to illegal gambling in order to have a regulated market. Players who operate within the law and from within the state can reap benefits."

"Currently the provision of games of chance via the internet is one of the most profitable industries and it is estimated that the revenue will double by 2013. It is simply wrong and no longer legal, that the state does not collect a penny of the millions circulating within this industry".