Bosnia and Herzegovina Casino Guide
Getting Started
Bosnia and Herzegovina (often just called Bosnia) is a country that is very much open to gambling. There are, of course, rules and regulations to be followed, and not every type of land-based and online gambling option are open to players in Bosnia, but there’s no shortage of choices for you to make when you decide to gamble. Join us as we walk you through the dos and don’ts of betting in Bosnia and Herzegovina today.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
Bosnia and Herzegovina has no issue with its nationals betting in land-based casinos. However, because of the high corporate tax (for casinos and gambling entities), there aren’t many brick-and-mortar casinos to choose from. In fact, only three or so exist. This small number of casinos is complemented by many slot halls, though with dozens of these open and fully legal for players in Bosnia. Moreover, they are open to residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina and tourists alike.
You’ll be delighted to hear that since 2011, Bosnia and Herzegovina has also legalised online gambling. However, any operator eager to offer its services to players in the European country must first obtain a license from the national authorities. Foreign operators are also invited to claim a license.
Bosnia has a fair few licensed and regulated online casinos for you to choose from. However, as the country doesn’t block foreign casinos (they did in 2013 but immediately reversed tracks after a public backlash), you can access a host of offshore casinos to boot. If you want to play with gameplay and support in Bosnian and the Bosnian mark (BAM) currency, we’d recommend heading over to Bosnian-licensed casinos over offshore sites. However, it is fair to say that there is much more choice at foreign sites, so we’ve got a host of those for you to choose from, too.
Who Regulates and Licenses Bosnian Casino Sites?
Bosnian casinos (and slot halls) are licensed by the Republican Gambling Authority, known as the Republicka Uprava Za Igre Na Srecu in Bosnian. This entity works out of the Ministry of Finance and licenses and regulates all operators, with each license being valid for five years.
Bosnian and foreign online casino operators alike are welcome to apply for a gambling license. However, few major international operators have bothered. The main reason is that Bosnia doesn’t block access to foreign casinos and doesn’t prosecute its players if they sign up for them. This, coupled with the tiny population (3.2 million), means that it isn’t worth the time to apply for a license for many operators.
Our offshore casinos that accept players from Bosnia and Herzegovina are all licensed and regulated by other EU countries, the UK, Curacao and beyond. Each has been vetted and is certified as fair. Any of these will make a suitable alternative to Bosnian-licensed online casinos if you want to browse around.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Most Popular Gambling Games
Bosnia and Herzegovina players have seemingly every option at their disposal (or, at least, most of them). For instance, sports betting is immensely popular in the Balkan country, while lottery games and bingo are effectively legalised and popular with players. In terms of casino games, Bosnians tend to favour slots and traditional table games, such as blackjack and roulette, over less popular options like baccarat, Sic Bo, and craps. Again, this isn’t surprising, given that it is the same story told in neighbouring states.
In our research, we didn’t come across a major casino software provider which was based in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Of course, with the country having legal and regulated casino options, it is inevitable that some smaller-scale providers develop in-house titles for you to choose from. However, precious few of these appear at trusted, globally popular offshore casinos for Bosnians to join.
Who Can Play?
Online casinos that are licensed and regulated out of Bosnia and Herzegovina are only open to players residing in the country. This means nationals and residents alike. You’ll need to verify that you reside in Bosnia before withdrawing. These casinos are ideal if you want to wager with the BAM currency and prefer Bosnia-specific payment options, such as those mobile-friendly options listed above.
If you want to play a broader array of games, you can do that using offshore casinos. It is not punishable in Bosnia and Herzegovina to play at these sites. However, don’t expect to use the Bosnian mark currency, and customer support and gameplay are most likely going to be in English, not Bosnian.
Online Casino Payment Options
Online casinos in Bosnia and Herzegovina offer a variety of payment methods that cater to the specific needs of their players. Here, we have categorized these payment methods for your convenience.
Credit/Debit Cards:
- Visa: Visa cards are widely accepted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, making them a popular choice for online casino players. They offer a secure and convenient way to deposit and withdraw funds.
- Mastercard: Another widely accepted card, Mastercard offers a fast and safe way to make deposits and withdrawals at online casinos in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
E-wallets:
- Moneta.ba: Moneta.ba is a popular local e-wallet service in Bosnia and Herzegovina that offers users a convenient and safe way to deposit and withdraw funds from their online casino accounts.
- Payoneer: Payoneer is a global e-wallet that is available to users in Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing them to easily deposit and withdraw funds at online casinos.
Local Bank Transfers:
- Intesa Sanpaolo Banka: Intesa Sanpaolo Banka is one of the leading banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Players can use this bank’s services to make safe and secure deposits and withdrawals at online casinos.
- Raiffeisen Bank: Raiffeisen Bank is another popular banking option in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Players can use their bank accounts to transfer funds directly to and from their online casino accounts.
Mobile Payments:
- m:tel: m:tel is a leading mobile network operator in Bosnia and Herzegovina that offers a mobile payment service. Players can use this service to make deposits and withdrawals at online casinos by charging their mobile phone bill or prepaid account.
Cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin (BTC): As the most well-known and widely used cryptocurrency, Bitcoin offers a secure and anonymous way to deposit and withdraw funds at online casinos in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum is another popular cryptocurrency that is accepted at some online casinos. It provides similar benefits to Bitcoin, such as security and anonymity.
Prepaid Cards:
- Paysafecard: Paysafecard is a popular prepaid card that can be purchased at various retail outlets in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Players can use the card to make secure and anonymous deposits at online casinos without the need for a bank account or credit card.
These payment methods are not restricted in Bosnia and Herzegovina and can be used by players to deposit and withdraw funds at online casinos. However, it is important to note that not all online casinos may support every payment method listed above, so players should always check the specific payment options available at their chosen casino before making a deposit or withdrawal.
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F.A.Q's
1. Is online gambling legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Online gambling in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not specifically regulated, and there are no laws prohibiting residents from participating in online casino games. However, it is important to ensure that the online casino you choose is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. For more information on licensing and regulation, visit our Licensing and Regulation guide category.
2. Can I play casino games in Bosnia and Herzegovina using local currency?
Some online casinos may accept the local currency, Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM), but it is not as common as other currencies like the Euro or US Dollar. To avoid currency conversion fees, it’s essential to choose a casino that supports your preferred payment method and currency.
3. Are there bonuses available for Bosnian players at online casinos?
Yes, many online casinos offer bonuses and promotions specifically tailored for players from Bosnia and Herzegovina. These can include welcome bonuses, free spins, and reload bonuses. Check our Bonuses and Loyalty Programs guide for more information on the types of bonuses available and how to make the most of them.
4. Is customer support available in Bosnian language?
While some online casinos may offer customer support in the Bosnian language, it is more common to find support in English or other widely spoken languages. It’s essential to choose a casino with reliable customer support to address any concerns or issues you may encounter while playing.
5. Are live dealer games available for players from Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Yes, players from Bosnia and Herzegovina can enjoy live dealer games at many online casinos. These games offer an immersive, real-time gaming experience with professional dealers and high-quality video streaming.
6. Can I gamble on my mobile device in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Definitely! Most online casinos now offer a mobile-friendly interface or a dedicated app for a seamless mobile gaming experience. You can play your favorite casino games on the go using your smartphone or tablet.
7. Is it safe to gamble online in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
p>Yes, but it is crucial to play at a reputable online casino with proper safety and security measures in place. Look for casinos with valid licenses, encrypted connections, and fair gaming certifications to ensure your personal and financial information is protected. Additionally, check our guide on Smart Gambling Practices for more tips on staying safe while gambling online.
8. Are there any restrictions on specific casino games in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
measures in place. Look for casinos with valid licenses, encrypted connections, and fair gaming certifications to ensure your personal and financial information is protected. Additionally, check our guide on Smart Gambling Practices for more tips on staying safe while gambling online.
8. Are there any restrictions on specific casino games in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
There are no specific restrictions on casino games for players from Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the availability of games may vary depending on the online casino you choose. You can enjoy a wide range of online casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games, at reputable casinos catering to players from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
9. What payment methods can I use for depositing and withdrawing at online casinos in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Players from Bosnia and Herzegovina can choose from various payment methods for depositing and withdrawing at online casinos. Common options include credit and debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies. Make sure to choose a payment method that suits your needs and offers low fees and fast processing times.
10. Are winnings from online gambling taxable in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Currently, there are no specific regulations regarding taxation on online gambling winnings in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, it’s essential to consult a local tax expert to determine if any taxes apply to your specific situation and stay compliant with local tax laws.