Poker is legal in North Macedonia when offered through licensed land-based casinos. Casino operators must obtain a license from the Government of North Macedonia after submitting an application to the Ministry of Finance, with licenses issued for six years. Casinos can legally offer table games including blackjack, roulette, and poker, but must meet strict financial requirements including basic capital of at least 500,000 EUR and a license fee of 600,000 EUR (1).
The Ministry of Finance, specifically the Department for Games of Chance, regulates all gambling activities in North Macedonia. This regulatory body issues licenses, monitors compliance with gambling laws, and protects consumers from addiction and financial crimes. Licensed operators must be over 18 years old, establish responsible gambling measures, pay taxes, and report consumer behavior monitoring to authorities (2).
"Gambling is regulated by the Ministry of Finance, specifically by the Department for Games of Chance. This body is in charge of regulating and monitoring the implemented laws, and all types of gambling activities."
Online poker operates under a state monopoly system established in 2014 through a joint venture between the national lottery and Casinos Austria. The Law on Games provides the legal framework for the online gambling industry, though the online market remains tightly controlled. Casino operators must pay a special fee of 20% calculated from the difference between monthly paid-in amounts and paid-out amounts (2).
Source:
https://lblaw.com.mk/en/casino-gambling-regulation-in-north-macedonia
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulations-in-north-macedonia/
Last updated: 04-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
