Balkan Gaming Federation Elects First Regional Leadership Team
Croatia.- 9 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Balkan Gaming Federation, BGF, has elected Dragan Skrbić as its first president, completing its first formal leadership structure since the regional body was created in March 2026.
Filip Jelavić and Sorin Georgescu will serve as vice presidents of an organisation bringing together gaming associations from seven Balkan markets.
New Leadership Team
Skrbić is president of Serbian gaming association AGOS.
The new leadership structure consists of:
- Dragan Skrbić, President.
- Filip Jelavić, Vice President and Secretary General of Croatia’s HUPIS.
- Sorin Georgescu, Vice President, President of ROMSLOT and Vice President of FEDBET in Romania.
The election took place during a conference in Bucharest.
Seven Markets Represented
BGF brings together associations from:
- Bulgaria.
- Serbia.
- Romania.
- Croatia.
- Montenegro.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- North Macedonia.
The federation is headquartered in Croatia and aims to coordinate regional positions without replacing the role of national associations.
Focus on Illegal Gambling
One of its main priorities will be defending the regulated industry against the growth of illegal gambling.
BGF has argued that excessive regulation can weaken channelisation and potentially push consumers towards unlicensed operators.
Closer Cooperation With EUROMAT
The new leadership will also seek to deepen its relationship with land-based gaming association EUROMAT.
The objective is for BGF to establish itself as a regional cluster within the European organisation, connecting Balkan industry concerns more directly with wider European policy discussions.
First Joint Positions
Since its creation, the federation has already issued coordinated positions on regulatory developments in Romania, Montenegro and North Macedonia.
The new leadership will now be responsible for turning that initial cooperation into longer-term campaigns and initiatives.
2027 Priorities
The leadership team’s first joint public appearance will take place on 24 November in Sofia at the New Horizons Gaming Industry Gala Dinner.
The following day, BGF will host a roundtable bringing together operators, suppliers and regional industry experts.
New Regional B2B Forum
The federation is also developing a larger B2B forum including an exhibition.
The event is expected to rotate between Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia, strengthening commercial links across the regional gaming industry.
Next Steps or Impact
The election of its first leadership team marks BGF’s transition from an initial cooperation agreement into a more formal regional organisation.
Its main challenge will be establishing itself as a credible stakeholder for governments, regulators and European institutions, particularly on illegal gambling, regulation and the long-term sustainability of the licensed industry.
Editó: @fonta
