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Located in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria has, over the years, developed to become one of the major players in the global gambling market. It’s a well-regulated industry that provides equal opportunities for land-based and online gambling. Although the gambling laws changed with time, the legal framework, as revised in 2024 and 2025, is tailored in such a way as to ensure responsible gambling, considering player protection besides integrity in the industry.
This article was updated on May 1, 2026.
Does Bulgaria have its own gambling license?
Yes, there is a licensing system in place that applies both to online and land-based operators of gambling games. Generally speaking, most forms of gambling activities have been permitted under the gambling legislation: online casinos, sports betting, poker, and bingo.
Lotteries are the only exception. With amendments taken in 2021, under the Gambling Act, online lotteries other than raffles, bingo, and keno fell within the scope of the state monopoly, which means they could be provided exclusively by the state.
Private operators willing to enter the Bulgarian market have to meet a number of pre-licensing requirements: for example, the required paid-in capital for casino gambling games organisers was increased in 2024 to at least BGN 2,250,000 (representing a 50% increase from previous requirements); online betting operators should correspond to specific financial and technical requirements.
Who regulates the gambling market in Bulgaria?
All forms of gambling in Bulgaria are regulated through the National Revenue Agency (NRA). This came into play in 2020 and took over the regulating duties from the State Commission on Gambling. The National Revenue Agency guarantees that operators follow the relevant legislation in Bulgaria, provides a licensing procedure, and retains full control over the collection of taxes.
Also, it is very important to mention the function of the AML in monitoring gambling activities and following the strict rules financially so that illegal activities may not happen, such as money laundering. In 2025, the government further strengthened these efforts by creating a specialized task force to combat illegal gambling and exit the FATF “grey list.”
Overview of the Gambling Laws of Bulgaria
The code of gambling law that was implemented in Bulgaria established a wide regime, including the online gambling aspect along with the offline gambling sectors. Some of the key regulations include:
- License: A gambling license in Bulgaria can be issued both to local and foreign operators; at the same time, the second group should appoint a Bulgarian representative. Licenses are usually issued for five years, and operators are subject to regular audits and technical inspections in order to ensure compliance.
- Taxes: Taxation varies depending on the type of gambling equipment or game. As of January 1, 2026, the Bulgarian government increased the tax rate on gambling activities to 25% of the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), up from the previous 20% rate. This applies to both online and land-based segments to help address fiscal deficits.
- Advertisements: Since May 2024, Bulgaria has implemented a total ban on gambling advertisements across television, radio, newspapers, and online media (websites). Direct invitations to participate in gambling games are prohibited. Exceptions are very limited: advertising on billboards is allowed only if located more than 300 meters from schools or playgrounds, and branding on sports equipment is permitted provided it is not intended for minors.
- Player Protection: The legislation of Bulgaria is very serious in the matter of responsible gaming. As of January 1, 2025, the register of individuals banned from gambling was expanded to include high-risk groups, such as recipients of social assistance. Online operators must also implement mandatory measures to limit time spent on betting sites and display warnings regarding the risks of gaming. Verification of age is also operated, and players have to be at least 18 years old for legal gambling.
Legal landmark cases in Bulgaria
Changes have taken place with regard to Bulgaria’s legislation on gambling over the years. The point at which a sea of change came in was in 2021, when the government looked for tougher control of the lottery market, shifting online lotteries into the clutches of a state monopoly. In May 2024, a landmark legislative shift occurred with the near-total ban on gambling advertising in traditional and digital media to protect the public.
One of the more memorable and significant changes in this respect was the 2020 transfer of regulatory authority from the SCG to the NRA. The NRA has further been focusing on regulating illegal activities and ensuring operators observe both domestic and EU standards. By 2025, the NRA and the Council for Electronic Media (CEM) intensified their monitoring of social media and streaming platforms to ensure the advertising ban was not being circumvented.
Future of Bulgaria’s Gambling Regulation
Meanwhile, the Bulgarian gambling market continues to adapt to these stricter conditions. While growth remains a possibility, the industry must now navigate the 2026 tax increase to 25% and the stringent advertising restrictions. Furthermore, by May 2027, gambling halls and casinos located in areas with fewer than 10,000 citizens (unless in border zones or resorts) will be mandated to close, potentially reshaping the land-based sector.
For the time being, Bulgaria offers a stable and accordingly regulated environment for both players and operators alike, though one with much higher barriers to entry and operation than in previous years. The legal framework of the country stands up to international standards, and operators who adhere to the necessary requirements can benefit from the advantages of the development of the market in Bulgaria. However, long-term success is all about remaining compliant with changing laws and regulations.
