The Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) has established its first governing structure, six months after gaming industry associations from across the Balkans agreed to form the regional alliance. The move marks a new stage for the organization as it begins preparing industry initiatives, expanding cooperation with European stakeholders and strengthening coordination on regulatory matters affecting the region.

At a gathering held in Bucharest on 30 September, delegates elected Dragan Skrbić, President of Serbia’s AGOS association, as the federation’s first President. Filip Jelavić, Secretary General of Croatia’s HUPIS, and Sorin Georgescu, President of Romania’s ROMSLOT and Vice President of FEDBET, were selected as Vice Presidents.

The federation traces its origins to March 2026, when trade associations from Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in Belgrade. AGOS and Bulgaria’s AOGGAB played key roles in launching the initiative, while participating associations spent subsequent months developing governance arrangements and common policy positions. Croatia was chosen as the federation’s legal headquarters, and a working group led by Jelavić prepared the organization’s statute and institutional framework.

The newly elected leadership will now oversee the federation’s first coordinated activities aimed at supporting the regulated gaming sector throughout the Balkans.

Cooperation With EUROMAT Gains Momentum

Strengthening links with EUROMAT emerged as a central topic during a two-day program in Bucharest. Representatives of BGF member associations met with the EUROMAT Board during a working dinner on 29 September, while EUROMAT President Jason Frost attended the leadership election the following day.

The relationship between the two organizations has been part of BGF’s strategy since its formation. Federation members are seeking to establish BGF as a dedicated Balkan cluster within the broader European trade association framework while maintaining its own governance structure and identity.

The federation believes this approach can provide stronger regional representation within wider European policy discussions.

“This will allow the federation to consolidate the challenges, expertise and positions of Balkan markets and connect them more directly with the European policy debate, while giving EUROMAT a more structured link to a region that includes both EU member states and western Balkan markets,” it explained according to SBC Eurasia.

The foundations for that cooperation already exist. Four of the federation’s seven member associations — AOGGAB, AGOS, ROMSLOT and HUPIS — are also members of EUROMAT. The Balkan region is additionally represented within the European organization through Karoly Buzás of ROMSLOT and Filip Jelavić of HUPIS.

Regional Advocacy and Regulatory Focus

The Bucharest meetings also highlighted support for Romania’s regulated gaming market as the country continues to experience significant regulatory developments. Federation representatives and EUROMAT leadership used the occasion to demonstrate backing for ROMSLOT and Romania’s licensed industry.

Regional advocacy has become an increasingly visible part of BGF’s activities. During its first months, the federation issued joint statements concerning regulatory developments in Romania, Montenegro and North Macedonia, reflecting its view that industry challenges often extend beyond national borders.

The organization has also identified combating illegal gambling and promoting responsible gambling initiatives among its priorities. According to federation representatives, black-market activity remains a growing concern across the region.

BGF’s broader objective is to provide a shared platform for operators, suppliers and industry stakeholders throughout the Balkans. The federation hopes to strengthen its role in discussions involving governments, regulators and European institutions.

Sofia Events to Launch Next Phase

Attention is now turning to upcoming industry events where the federation’s leadership will present its plans. On 24 November in Sofia, the newly elected team is scheduled to appear at the Gaming Industry Gala Dinner – New Horizons. The event will serve as the federation leadership’s first public appearance before an international industry audience alongside representatives from member associations.

The following day, BGF plans to hold a roundtable that will bring together executives and experts from across the Balkan gaming sector. Organizers intend for the meeting to become an annual forum focused on common business interests, regulatory developments, industry cooperation and the protection of legal gaming markets.

The federation is also working on a larger regional B2B event that will include an exhibition component. Current plans call for the forum to rotate among Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia, creating a recurring platform for collaboration across the Balkan gaming industry.