Gambling business in Moldova
The gambling business of the Republic of Moldova is completely legal and actively developing. The gaming industry began to develop particularly rapidly in neighboring countries - after the ban in Russia and Ukraine. Anyone over the age of 18 can play in both land and online casinos.
Both offline and online establishments are allowed in Moldova. Since 2011, all gambling establishments have been monopolized, except for licensed land casinos. The gambling sector is controlled by the joint stock company Loteria Nationala a Moldovei. It is this body that determines the location of the casino, as well as discusses licensing and taxation issues.
Some of the most popular casinos in Moldova are Napoleon Palace, Europe and XO. All of them are located in the capital - Chisinau. Casinos offer 350 gambling clubs with 3.9 thousand slot machines to Moldovan players. According to the Licensing Chamber, two companies lead in the number of game halls: Magic-Land SRL (TM Vulcan) and Reneco-EL (TM Imperia). In addition, nine bookmakers and one lottery operator are registered in Moldova - JV "LOTERIA MOLDOVEI" SA
Specifics of gambling business regulation in Moldova
The development of the gambling business in the Republic of Moldova began in 1918. Then, the first clubs were opened in the big cities, where players played only card games. After the collapse of the USSR, the government decided to develop the gambling industry. However, the state took active action only in 1998 - the Law on Gambling and Gambling Business Licensing was issued. Then in 1999 the state issued the Gambling Act, which sets out the legal principles for their organization and conduct. This law is still in force in the country today.
Almost all types of gambling are allowed in the country:
Gambling regulations in Moldova
Since 2011, the entire gambling business in Moldova, with the exception of land-based casinos, has been a state monopoly. The current rules are established by the following regulatory legal acts:
According to the legislation of the Republic, participation in gambling (except lottery) is prohibited for persons under 21 years of age, as well as for persons under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances. Gaming entertainment organizers are prohibited from participating in the reception held games.
In Moldova, any advertising of gambling establishments and the services offered by them is prohibited. Also, by law, all gambling establishments should be located away from educational institutions, religious and medical facilities, as well as public gathering places.
The regulatory body of the gambling business in Moldova is the joint stock company Loteria Nationala a Moldovei. This statutory fund is subordinated to the Ministry of Finance. The joint stock company determines the licensing and taxation of gambling establishments as well as their location.
License conditions
The following types of gambling activities are licensed in Moldova:
Under the law, a gambling organizer can be a legal entity registered in the Republic of Moldova and holding the relevant license. The number of foreign shareholders should not exceed 49% of the authorized capital.
Belarusian gambling licenses are issued by the Licensing Chamber, which reports to the Ministry of Economy. The license is valid for one year. After that, it must be renewed. Conditions for issuing a license to carry out any kind of activity in the gaming industry for a legal entity:
Organizational and legal form - a joint stock company or a limited liability company;
Accompanying activities, such as catering, trade in alcohol and tobacco products, etc., are carried out only on the site of the main activity;
To shareholders, board members, among shareholders, as well as employees whose official duties include gambling control or oversight.
The license is issued within three days from the date of receipt of the document confirming the payment. The license fee depends on the specific type of gambling activity:
Republic of Moldova Popular casinos in Napoleon Palace, Europe and XO offer Belarusian customers:
Also, moldovan players are offered 350 gambling clubs with 3.9 thousand gaming machines. According to the Licensing Chamber, only two companies have the largest number of halls: Magic-Land SRL (trademark Vulcan) and Reneco-EL (trademark Imperia). According to regulatory statistics, in total, players spend around 1,000,000 MDLs ($ 50,800) per day. Bookmakers are also very popular. Each year, they receive a net profit of approximately 350 million MDL (nearly $ 17.8 million).