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Bulgaria is preparing a near total ban on gambling advertising as part of a wider Gambling Act reform covering operator taxes, financial reporting and anti money laundering controls. Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced the package on September 23.
Good to know
- Gambling ads would largely disappear from billboards, public spaces and gaming venue windows.
- Sports shirts and sports facilities would remain one of the few advertising exceptions.
- Foreign operators licensed in Bulgaria would have to register local financial activity and pay taxes in the country.
Bulgaria Plans Near Total Gambling Advertising Ban
Radev said the government wants to reduce how often people see betting and casino promotions in everyday life.
“We don’t want gambling to have this everyday presence in the eyes of Bulgarian citizens. We don’t want this aggressive way of advertising, which corrupts young people and children,” Radev said.
The proposal would remove many outdoor formats that remained visible after Bulgaria tightened gambling advertising rules in 2024. Current law already restricts advertising across television, radio, print, websites and public places, while allowing limited billboard and sports related exceptions.
Under the new plan, casinos and gaming halls would also lose bright illuminated signs and promotional window displays. Radev said gambling advertising had become too dominant across towns and villages.
Sports sponsorship would retain limited protection. Gambling branding could still appear on sports equipment and at sports facilities under the proposal.
Operators Face New Tax and Reporting Rules
Advertising forms only one part of the reform.
The government also wants to change how casinos and gaming halls are taxed by using actual financial results. Online gambling would face a higher levy, with part of the extra revenue directed toward sport and education.
Foreign gambling companies licensed in Bulgaria would also have to register their financial activity locally when generating revenue from Bulgarian customers.
Radev said:
“Whoever operates on the Bulgarian market, and profits from it, will pay taxes here and be subject to full oversight by the Bulgarian state.”
The package also includes stronger controls against money laundering and tax evasion. Gambling equipment would need a real time connection to the National Revenue Agency, giving authorities more direct access to operating data.
Bulgaria already tightened gambling advertising rules in 2024, but lawmakers continued raising concerns during 2026 about outdoor advertising and enforcement. Parliamentary questions in May and August specifically addressed billboard restrictions and implementation of the existing rules.
Separate Gambling Act amendments were also introduced in parliament earlier in September, showing that advertising restrictions were already under active legislative discussion before the government package.
FAQ
Is Bulgaria banning all gambling advertising?
The government describes the proposal as a near total ban. Limited sports related advertising would remain permitted.
What gambling ads would Bulgaria prohibit?
The plan targets outdoor advertising along with bright signs and promotional displays at casinos and gaming halls.
Would gambling sponsorship in sport remain legal?
Yes. Advertising on sports equipment and at sports facilities would remain an exception under the proposal.
Will foreign gambling operators face new rules?
Yes. Licensed foreign operators generating revenue in Bulgaria would have to register financial activity locally and fall under Bulgarian tax and regulatory oversight.
Why is Bulgaria changing the Gambling Act again?
The government says the reforms aim to reduce gambling exposure, improve tax collection and strengthen controls against money laundering and tax evasion.
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