As reported by the Gambling Authority, Bar leads the coastal cities with the highest number of betting shops, boasting 64 such establishments for games of chance. Budva closely follows with 61, while Herceg Novi ranks third with 46.

Kotor has a lower number of betting outlets, totaling 27, and both Tivat and Ulcinj come in last with 22. Montenegro hosts over 1,100 betting and gambling venues, with the most concentrated in the capital, nearing 350.

According to Google Maps, there are gambling facilities located under 300 meters from two high schools in Bar. However, observations on the ground reveal that these venues are just a few dozen steps away from the School of Economics and Hospitality and the Gymnasium, accessible via the open road adjacent to the “Izbor” department store.

Within the city center of Bar, at least five casinos and nearly twice the number of betting shops exist. This not only influences the visual character of the city and the daily experiences of its diverse residents but also places citizens, particularly the youth, at heightened risk for addiction related to gambling.

This sentiment is echoed by sources from “Vijesti,” who caution about the long-term societal issues stemming from the pervasive presence of such establishments.

The bright lights of the Kocarcnica illuminating the city center at night symbolize, in their view, the limited offerings available in Bar.

Baits for Developing Addiction

Whether local authorities are concerned about this issue remains unclear, as the Municipality of Bar has not replied to inquiries regarding it. Citizens interviewed by “Vijesti” expressed that gambling is detrimental to families, requesting anonymity due to personal ties to gambling addiction.

The “gambling culture” in Bar is seen as a major concern by Jovana (real name withheld), who shared that three members of her family have struggled with gambling addiction. She believes the close-knit community exacerbates this issue, as personal connections facilitate access for children and adolescents to gambling.

“Our situation is not unique; nearly everyone in Bar knows at least one family dealing with a gambling issue, if not their own. It’s common knowledge. It’s likely that every family has someone in their inner circle affected by gambling problems,” she asserts.

While she prefers not to disclose specifics, she stresses the importance of acknowledging that both Bar residents and many citizens of Montenegro lack awareness about the harms of gambling, which she insists are devastating to health and family life.

Jovana believes the problem isn’t merely the locations of betting venues, but their sheer number and accessibility. At the very least, she adds, it sends a negative message that the city center has become a space filled with “traps for addiction.”

Another “Vijesti” interviewee concurs, highlighting her family’s experience: alongside gambling, the “usury business” is thriving, leading to an increased number of individuals who illegally support this lifestyle, further endangering others’ lives.

“We’ve faced several instances where loan sharks have come to our rescue due to gambling debts in the family. Everyone knows these people; Bar is small, and it’s no secret what they do, nor is it a secret how many individuals, particularly men, are ensnared by gambling,” she stated.

Sanja Smolović, president of the Bar association “Roditeljska snaga,” voiced her concerns to “Vijesti” regarding the proliferation of casinos and betting shops in the city center, especially near schools.

“Children and young people come into contact with this environment daily, putting their health and development at serious risk,” she remarked.

She mentioned that due to these concerns, they recently organized initiatives aimed at addiction prevention in collaboration with the Municipality of Bar.

“Through expert discussions, we underscored the importance of prevention and education as key strategies in safeguarding children. We aimed to contribute to and encourage broader social actions,” Smolović added.

The Identity of a City is Defined by Its Content.

“A city’s identity is shaped by its content. Everyone should be alarmed that urban spaces are dominated by businesses focused on various forms of betting, and during a simple stroll through the city, one cannot miss the flood of advertisements in public spaces that encourage gambling. Our environment reflects our habits and needs, and children and youth growing up in such a milieu are likely to unwittingly adopt these imposed behaviors,” shared Professor Neđeljko Đurović with “Vijesti.” He completed training for professionals and educators on developing gambling addiction prevention programs in high schools across Montenegro.

One significant aspect he points out relates to the rising popularity of online betting, which has increased by over 25 percent in the last five years. Electronic gambling occurs through devices like phones, tablets, and computers via specialized websites, apps, and social media, as well as video games that feature gambling content.

“As gambling becomes more accessible in these ways, the exposure of minors to this detrimental influence has markedly increased. Although the Gambling Authority prohibits advertising games of chance in ways that entice minors, our current legislation and practices lack adequate solutions for scenarios where mobile users are bombarded with paid ads promoting or facilitating gambling,” asserts Đurović.

Comparative international experiences suggest that establishing clear legal provisions for “responsible gambling” and banning endorsements of games of chance by public figures, particularly prominent athletes, could yield substantial positive outcomes.

Psychosomatic Disorders and Depression

Infrequent studies among high school students point to significant issues stemming from gambling. Alongside neglecting academic and family responsibilities and abandoning recreational activities, peers of student gamblers often notice irritability, a lack of concentration, and difficulty with attention during communication.

According to Đurović, students highlight encountering suspicious individuals and the potential for subsequent blackmail as the foremost issues linked to gambling among youth, followed by family conflicts caused by underage gambling.

“Gambling, regarded as a risky behavior among youth and a form of non-chemical addiction, can lead to immediate psychosomatic disorders and, with time, result in depression and mental health problems,” he pointed out.

Currently, institutional measures are insufficient, necessitating more specific actions and a collaborative sense of responsibility, as stated by Đurović, who emphasizes that children cannot navigate these challenges alone.

He insists that gambling venues must be at least 250 meters from educational institutions. However, reports suggest that this standard is not met in several cities across Montenegro.

Furthermore, he underscores challenges related to enhancing regulatory inspections of betting facilities near educational institutions, urging the Gaming Authority to provide official updates on this matter.

Gambling Revenues Are Increasing

Year after year, concession fees from games of chance and fees for organizing prize games continue to rise, with the previous year, 2024, marking a record high, as detailed in the Report on the Work of the Gaming Authority for the year.

Revenue from these sources was €11,908,959 in 2020, which climbed to €14,228,237 in 2021. An additional two million was generated in 2022, amounting to €16,272,716, while in 2023 this figure surged to €22,352,550.

A record income of €33,812,130 was reached last year through these concession fees.

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