Bulgaria's government has submitted amendments to the Gambling Act to the National Assembly, proposing a full ban on gambling advertising, higher licensing fees and taxes, and tighter financial controls across the industry.
The bill prohibits promotion of gambling games, organisers and related brands regardless of format, channel or location. Limited trademark use is permitted when operators sponsor sports clubs, federations and associations, or support projects in culture, healthcare and education — though restrictions apply to television and online coverage of those events. The legislation also moves to end the activities of affiliate operators that promote gambling through affiliate programmes.
Fees and taxes
Companies applying for or renewing licences to produce, distribute, maintain or import gaming equipment will face a one-time state fee of €50,000 for a five-year licence and €100,000 for a 10-year licence. Licences for lottery games, lotto and sports betting without an online component will cost €300,000; online betting licences €400,000; casino licences €300,000 for five years — with all figures doubling for 10-year terms. Gaming hall operators in towns with populations of up to 500,000 will pay €75,000 for a five-year licence, rising to €150,000 in larger settlements.
The alternative tax on gaming halls and casinos rises in 2027: the quarterly levy per gaming machine moves from 800 leva to €600, per gaming table from 22,000 leva to €13,000, and for other gaming equipment from 5,000 leva to €3,000. From January 1, 2028, the tax is replaced by a two-part state fee combining a fixed charge and a variable component tied to bets placed and winnings paid. Online operators face a minimum monthly fee of €100,000 under that structure.
Mandatory contributions towards problem-gambling policies will increase to €60,000 for online betting operators, €20,000 for casino operators and €10,000 for other gambling activities, split equally among the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education. Foreign companies providing online betting services in Bulgaria will be required to maintain a local business establishment. Operators must also establish a direct electronic connection to the National Revenue Agency's information systems, enabling real-time reporting of bets, winnings and revenue. Banks and payment service providers processing gambling transactions will be required to transfer to the state budget any remuneration exceeding 1.5% of the transaction value.
