Albania Moves Closer to Reopening Its Regulated Online Sports Betting Market

Albania is moving closer to bringing online sports betting back into a regulated environment, creating a market that could attract interest from major international operators.

The country banned sports betting and most forms of gambling in 2019, but online sports betting was legalised again in 2024. Since then, the main challenge has been building the detailed rules needed to actually launch the market. In 2026, the government has taken several important steps to complete that framework.

Up to 10 Operators Could Receive Licences

Under the new system, Albania plans to issue a maximum of 10 online sports betting licences.

A competitive licensing process was approved in March 2026. Applications will be scored according to several factors, including the financial offer, previous gambling experience, organisational strength, business plans, technology, and international certifications.

This structure of it could favour established and international betting operators with experience in regulated markets. Operators with strong technical systems and a history of compliance may be better placed to meet the requirements than smaller or less experienced companies.

However, this market entry will not be fully open. The applicants must meet tthe local corporate requirements and go-through a formal licensing process supervised by Albania's Gambling Supervisory Authority and the Licensing Commission.

Stronger Controls Around Players and Payments

The reopening of sports betting also comes with much tighter controls.

New technical rules require operators to verify players before they can use betting accounts. Transactions must also be recorded and monitored in real time by the relevant authorities.

The payments aspects are also another important part of the regulation framework. Deposits and withdrawals must go through financial institutions authorised by the Bank of Albania, while cash payments are not permitted. Player funds must also be traceable and connected to the verified account holder.

The government has also introduced some procedures for suspending or even removing licences completely, when operators fail to meet their obligations. This includes issues involving licence conditions, guarantee funds, regulatory payments, or unpaid player winnings.

A Chance to Bring Betting Back Into the Regulated Market

Albania's main challenge will be convincing players to move away from offshore betting sites that continued to operate during the years when the legal market was closed.

The regulated model gives the government a chance to bring more betting activity under official supervision while offering licensed companies a route into the country.

For international sportsbooks, Albania could become an interesting new European market, although the limited number of licences means competition for entry is likely to be strong.

The full reopening has taken longer than originally expected, but with the technical, licensing, payment, and enforcement rules now largely in place, Albania appears closer than ever to launching its new regulated online sports betting market.