Albanian President Ilir Meta decreed the amendments to the law on gambling which had been approved by the country's parliament, the president office said Friday in a statement.

According to the statement, Meta decreed the law no. 75/2018 "On several amendments and changes to Law No.155 / 2015" On Gambling in the Republic of Albania".

On Oct. 25, the Albanian parliament approved with 75 votes of the Socialist Party Members of Parliament the law on gambling and the law on the closure of casinos on Dec. 31, 2018, in the entire territory of Albania.

The law stipulates that, starting from Dec. 31 this year, all casinos and betting centers will be closed, whereas casinos will operate inside 5-star hotels in the tourist areas.

Currently in Albania, there are 20 betting and gambling companies which win 54 million U.S. dollars each year, according to local media reports.