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Kosovo

Europe · XK · Reviewed 11 Nov 2026
Sports bettingProhibited
Horse racing—
Prediction markets—

Gambling, including betting shops and casinos, has been banned in Kosovo since May 2019, when the Law on the Prohibition of Games of Chance took effect. The ban has no end date and stays in force until the Assembly passes a new law to replace it, and the Kosovo Lottery's operations remain suspended.

Kosovo banned games of chance in 2019. The Assembly passed the Law on the Prohibition of Games of Chance in March 2019 under an expedited procedure, after two murders in gambling venues in Lipljan and Suva Reka and public protests, and the law entered into force in May 2019.

Is the Gambling Ban Still in Force?

Yes. An early draft proposed a ten-year closure of casinos and betting shops, but the law as passed has no end date: it stays in force until the Kosovo Assembly adopts a new law to replace it. The Kosovo Lottery's operations were suspended under the ban, and its future is unresolved.

Why Did Kosovo Ban Gambling?

Authorities linked the gambling sector to violent crime, money laundering, loan sharking and extortion, and the 2019 killings brought those concerns to a head.

Is the Ban Enforced?

Illegal gambling has continued, and police regularly raid unlicensed venues. Operations have led to dozens of arrests, the seizure of cash, vehicles and firearms, the demolition of illegal premises and the confiscation of hundreds of poker machines.

Online sports betting is prohibited in Kosovo, so no operators are listed for this market.

FAQ

Kosovo Betting FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Kosovo?
No. Games of chance, including sports betting, have been banned since the Law on the Prohibition of Games of Chance took effect in May 2019.
Why was gambling banned in Kosovo?
After two murders in gambling venues in March 2019 and public protests, authorities linked the sector to violent crime, money laundering and extortion.
When will the gambling ban end?
The law has no end date. It stays in force until the Kosovo Assembly passes a new law to replace it.
Is the Kosovo Lottery operating?
No. Its operations were suspended under the ban, and its future is unresolved.
Is the ban enforced?
Yes. Police regularly raid illegal gambling venues, with arrests, seizures and confiscated machines.
Responsible gambling

Support in Kosovo

Gambling is banned in Kosovo, so there are no licensed betting sites or local player protections. If gambling is causing you problems, free, confidential help is available online. For free, anonymous online support, you can use Gambling Therapy (gamblingtherapy.org).