PRO: Nearly €1.6 billion was spent on gambling in Macedonia over six months

Despite the start of the deadlines for moving casinos, slot-machine clubs and betting shops farther away from educational institutions, spending on gambling continues to remain high.

According to data from the Public Revenue Office, during the first six months of this year, citizens of North Macedonia and foreign nationals paid almost €1.6 billion for gambling.

The largest volume of money was generated through electronic gaming machines. However, casinos and betting shops also continue to hold a significant share of this market.

The figures show that gambling continues to generate major financial transactions, despite the new measures aimed at moving such venues away from schools and other educational institutions.

Operators in this sector have opposed the relocation of the venues, arguing that the measure will not eliminate gambling, but could encourage the expansion of illegal activities.

Their argument is that moving casinos, slot-machine clubs and betting shops away from educational institutions will not necessarily reduce this activity, but could cause part of it to shift into channels beyond the control and oversight of the state.