Lottery activities are legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina but are operated exclusively as state-owned enterprises by authorities within each of the country's three administrative entities. The Law on Games of Chance regulates lottery operations in Republika Srpska, establishing that the organization of games of chance is an activity of public interest and the exclusive right of the Republic (1). The Lottery of Republika Srpska holds the exclusive right to organize lottery games, electronic games, and other forms of gambling independently or in cooperation with other entities where it maintains at least 51% capital share.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's complex political structure, consisting of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, and Brčko District, results in each entity operating independently with separate regulatory frameworks. The Ministry of Finance in Republika Srpska is competent for granting licenses for organizing games of chance, while the Republic Administration for Games of Chance performs administrative duties from the gambling domain (1). The first online gambling license was issued in 2011, and the regulatory landscape continues to evolve across both autonomous entities (2).
"Organisation of the games of chance is an activity of public interest and the exclusive right of the Republic of Srpska, if not otherwise specified by this Law."
State lotteries offer various products including traditional lottery, instant lottery, express lottery, TV tombola, lotto, keno, and sports betting, organized either through classic formats or electronic methods via terminals and internet platforms. The lottery winning fund must constitute at least 50% of payments received for participation, with all proceeds distributed to players as winnings within 60 days of publishing final results (1). Lottery revenues contribute to social assistance, humanitarian activities, support for persons with disabilities, culture, sports development, and civil society initiatives throughout the entities.
Source:
https://vladars.rs/eng/vlada/ministries/MoF/lad/PublishingImages/Pages/default/Law%20on%20Games%20of%20Chance%2022_19.pdf
https://www.igamingtoday.com/bosnia-and-herzegovina-market-research-report/
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
