Bulgaria is an emerging European market with significant growth potential. The sports and online casino segments are projected to expand by 20% and 30%, respectively, in the coming years.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of market conditions and the pros and cons of market entry in 2024.
The History of Bulgarian Gambling Law
Bulgaria’s entry into legal gambling began in 1997 with the establishment of a state lottery. As in other Eastern European countries, gambling was illegal under Soviet rule. Aside from the state lottery, gambling remained banned in Bulgaria until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. It was subsequently legalized in 1993, paving the way for the country’s first physical casino. Five years later, the government introduced measures to regulate all forms of gambling.
A comprehensive gambling law was first introduced in 1998, creating an official legal framework for various gambling activities, including sports betting, casino games, and lotteries. A few years later, regulations were expanded to cover slot machines and other electronic gaming machines (EGMs), reflecting their growing popularity across the country.
Legalization efforts gained momentum in 2008 with the formation of the State Commission on Gambling (SCG), tasked with overseeing gambling operations, issuing licenses, and ensuring regulatory compliance. These responsibilities have since been transferred to the National Revenue Agency (NRA).
Major reforms to the 1998 gambling law came with the Gambling Act (GA) of 2012, introduced in response to increasing demand for online gambling. These amendments established licensing provisions and a framework for regulating online platforms. Comprehensive regulations for compliance and technical standards followed in 2013.
With clearly defined online and land-based policies, oversight was officially transferred from the SCG to the NRA in 2020, aiming to improve regulatory enforcement. In 2023, the AML (Anti-Money Laundering) Unit was established, mandating customer verification and financial risk assessments.
Here’s a timeline of key milestones in Bulgaria’s gambling history:
1979: Creation of the Bulgarian State Lottery.
1993: Legalization of casino gambling.
1998: Enactment of a new gambling law framework.
2000: Regulations expanded to include EGMs.
2008: Establishment of the State Commission on Gambling (SCG).
2012: Gambling Act (GA) introduced.
2013: Implementation of online gambling regulations.
2020: Regulatory authority transferred to the NRA.
2023: AML Unit launched to combat financial crimes.
The Legal Landscape for Gambling in Bulgaria in 2024
All forms of gambling are legal in Bulgaria, including online casinos, sportsbooks, poker, and bingo. Lotteries are also legal; however, due to amendments to the Gambling Act in 2021, online lotteries—except for raffles, bingo, Keno, and their variants—are state-controlled and can only be issued by the government.
Bulgaria’s legal framework is generally more stable than in other EU countries. The country offers one of the most accessible and inclusive licensing policies in the European Union, treating EU, EEA, and Swiss private operators equally alongside local ones.
Today, Bulgaria’s regulatory framework aligns with international standards and is designed for modern technologies. The NRA enforces a strict licensing process that emphasizes transparency, fairness, and responsible gambling to protect consumers.
Regulations and Compliance for Online Gaming Operators
Online gambling in Bulgaria is governed by the 2012 Gambling Act, which has been updated to include robust regulations for iGaming. The framework, enforced by the NRA, ensures that operators meet high standards of fairness, operational integrity, and social responsibility.
Here’s a summary of essential regulatory and compliance obligations for private operators:
Licensing Requirements
Operators must obtain a license from the NRA to legally offer online gambling in Bulgaria. This requires detailed applications proving financial health, technical readiness, and a clean criminal record. Gaming software must undergo rigorous inspection to ensure fair play.
Tax Obligations
Licensees must pay a 20% gambling tax based on gross revenue (bets placed minus winnings paid). These tax requirements are strictly enforced.
Advertising and Marketing Regulations
Gambling advertisements are tightly controlled. They must not target minors or suggest gambling is a solution to personal problems. All marketing must include warnings about gambling addiction.
A new bill has passed parliamentary approval and, once signed into law, will ban most gambling advertising on TV, radio, print, and digital platforms.
Player Protection Measures
Operators must provide tools like self-exclusion options, betting limits, and responsible gambling messaging. Age verification is mandatory to prevent underage gambling.
Compliance with Domestic Laws
Operators must follow all Bulgarian laws, including those concerning advertising, consumer rights, data protection, and AML standards.
Additional Considerations
While players can access international gambling sites, unlicensed operators will be blocked by Bulgarian internet service providers.
Gambling Fees and Taxes
The Bulgarian government aims to balance state revenue generation with fairness to licensees. Laws are designed to support responsible gaming and ensure sustainable market practices.
License fees vary based on the type of gambling activity. Online licenses generally cost between €5,000 and €20,000 for a five-year period.
As of January 1, 2024, a one-time state licensing fee of BGN 400,000 (approx. €204,500) applies, plus a 20% monthly tax on net gaming revenue.
Operators must also make annual contributions toward responsible gambling programs. For online betting, this fee is BGN 50,000 (approx. €25,600), due by March 31 each year. Late payments are subject to legal interest penalties.
Despite being an EU member, Bulgaria independently regulates its gambling market through the following three bodies:
Ministry of Finance
The Ministry of Finance coordinates gambling policy with broader fiscal regulations. It ensures laws contribute to the national budget and promote safe, ethical gaming.
National Revenue Agency (NRA)
The NRA took over regulatory control in 2020. It handles licensing, compliance inspections, and tax enforcement for all gambling activities in Bulgaria.
The AML Unit
Operating under the NRA, this unit ensures compliance with EU anti-money laundering standards. It monitors operators, investigates suspicious activity, and safeguards the market against financial crime.
The Benefits of Operating in Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s proactive, forward-thinking approach has created a thriving iGaming market that promises substantial growth in the years ahead. Moreover, balancing operator interests with player protection has paved the way for the local gambling industry to flourish, offering significant opportunities for iGaming operators.
Like any other regulated market, entering Bulgaria presents both opportunities and challenges:
Advantages for Operators
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Access to a growing market of tech-savvy consumers.
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Respected license helps with customer acquisition and retention.
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EU member status may ease access to other European markets.
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No local office required—operators can be based anywhere.
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Low corporate tax rate fixed at 10%, with competitive license fees.
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Stable licensing environment that supports long-term growth.
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Strong digital infrastructure and a skilled, cost-effective workforce.
Disadvantages for Operators
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Limited population size (approx. 6.5 million).
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Lotteries are closed to private operators—state holds monopoly, except for raffles, bingo, and Keno games.
How to Apply for a Gambling License in Bulgaria
To obtain a legal license to offer online gambling services in Bulgaria, operators must submit an application to the NRA.
Status: Must be a company registered in the EEA or Switzerland.
Reputation: Operators must be in good standing with no prior violations of Bulgarian gambling laws.
Representation: Non-Bulgarian entities must appoint a local representative.
Capital: Minimum paid-in share capital of BGN 1.5 million (approx. €766,500).
Banking: Must use an EU-based bank for handling customer deposits and withdrawals.
Technical: Systems must meet NRA standards. Servers can be located in Bulgaria, Switzerland, or any EU/EEA country, but storage of personal data must occur within Bulgaria.
Connectivity: All software updates must be approved by the NRA and connect to its servers to share player identity information.
Application Process
To secure a gaming license in Bulgaria in 2024, operators must follow these structured steps, similar to other European jurisdictions:
1. Eligibility Assessment: Confirm the company meets legal and financial requirements set by Bulgarian authorities.
2. Establish Local Presence: Either incorporate in Bulgaria or appoint a local representative.
3. Application Submission: Submit a detailed application to the NRA, including business plans and system details.
4. Compliance Audit: Undergo a full audit to verify compliance with regulations and standards.
5. Technical Inspection: Ensure all gaming systems and software pass inspections for security and fairness.
6. AML Procedures: Implement anti-money laundering practices as required by the NRA.
7. License Fee Payment: Pay all applicable fees based on game type and operations.
Post-Licensing Obligations
Licenses are valid for five years and come with ongoing regulatory obligations.
Investment: Within six months of receiving a license, operators must invest at least BGN 1 million (approx. €511,000).
Compliance: Operators must continue adhering to all domestic laws, including those governing advertising, data protection, and anti-money laundering.
Commercial: Service Level Agreements (SLAs) may also be required.
Access for Operators in 2024
Leading software provider Altenar has extensive experience helping iGaming brands grow in the Bulgarian market. Altenar supplies sportsbook technology to top platforms like Everbet, Magic Bet, and 8888.bg, among others.
Connect with Altenar today to begin your journey toward brand growth in Bulgaria.
Disclaimer
This information is not intended to be legal advice and is based solely on publicly available sources. It should not be used as a substitute for professional legal consultation. Altenar does not accept any liability for reliance on this content.
