Balkan Gaming Federation Finally Reveals Its First Leadership Team

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-09

Six months after a group of gaming associations from across the Balkans decided to join forces, the Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) has finally put a face to its name. The alliance now has its first official leadership, and with that comes a clear signal: this isn't just a handshake agreement anymore. It's a real organization with real plans. So what does this mean for the industry? And why should anyone outside the Balkans care? Let's break it down. ### The Big Meeting in Bucharest On September 30, delegates gathered in Bucharest for what turned out to be a pivotal moment. They elected Dragan Skrbić, who currently leads Serbia's AGOS association, as the federation's first President. That's a big deal. Skrbić isn't a newcomer to the gaming world. He's been in the trenches, and now he's tasked with steering a regional alliance that spans multiple countries. But the presidency is just one piece. The BGF also set up its initial governing structure, which means committees, working groups, and a framework for making decisions. In other words, they're building the skeleton before they put meat on the bones. ### Why This Matters Beyond the Balkans You might be thinking: "Okay, a regional gaming group got some leaders. So what?" Fair question. Here's the thing, though. The Balkans have become a fascinating laboratory for gaming regulation. Countries like Serbia, Romania, Croatia, and Bulgaria have taken very different approaches to licensing, taxation, and responsible gambling. Some are wide open. Others are strict. That patchwork creates confusion for operators and players alike. A unified federation could change that. By coordinating on regulatory matters, the BGF hopes to create more consistency. That means fewer headaches for companies trying to operate across borders. It also means stronger consumer protections if done right. > "We're not trying to erase national differences," one delegate explained. "We're trying to find common ground where it makes sense." That's a sensible approach. And it's exactly why European stakeholders are paying attention. The BGF has already started expanding its cooperation with groups outside the region. Brussels, for instance, has shown interest in how this alliance might fit into the broader EU gaming conversation. ### What's on the 2027 Agenda? The federation isn't just sitting around congratulating itself. It's mapping out a plan that stretches to 2027. While the full details aren't public yet, several priorities have emerged: - **Regulatory harmonization:** Working toward shared standards for licensing and player protection. - **Industry initiatives:** Joint research, best-practice sharing, and possibly a regional self-exclusion system. - **European engagement:** Building bridges with EU institutions and other gaming bodies. - **Capacity building:** Helping smaller markets develop modern regulatory frameworks. That last point is crucial. Not every Balkan country has the resources to build a sophisticated gaming authority from scratch. The BGF could act as a support network, offering expertise and templates. ### The Road Ahead Of course, talk is cheap. Federations are easy to announce and hard to sustain. The real test will be whether the BGF can deliver concrete results. Will we see a unified licensing passport by 2027? Probably not. But we might see mutual recognition of responsible gambling tools or shared technical standards. For now, the election of Skrbić and the formation of a governing structure are meaningful first steps. They show that the member associations are willing to put in the work. And in an industry that often talks past each other, that's not nothing. If you're an operator, a regulator, or just someone who follows gaming policy, keep an eye on this group. The Balkans might be small, but they're proving to be surprisingly influential.