Bulgaria Proposes Total Gambling Advertising Ban and Higher Operator Taxes

Bulgaria has proposed major changes to its Gambling Act, including a complete gambling advertising ban, higher operator taxes and increased licensing fees. The government also wants stricter financial reporting and an end to gambling affiliate marketing.

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Online betting operators face some of the largest increases under the proposed Bulgaria gambling reforms. A licence would cost €400,000 for five years, rising to €800,000 for 10 years.

Meanwhile, lottery operators and companies offering land-based sports betting would pay €300,000. Casino licences would also cost €300,000 for five years, with both categories facing double fees for 10-year approvals.

Gaming halls face different charges depending on location. Operators in settlements with up to 500,000 residents would pay €75,000, while those in larger cities would pay €150,000 for five-year licences.

The government also proposes €50,000 for five-year gaming equipment licences and €100,000 for 10-year approvals.

From 2027, quarterly taxes on gaming machines would increase from 800 leva to €600. Gaming table taxes would rise from 22,000 leva to €13,000, while other gaming equipment would attract €3,000 instead of 5,000 leva.

However, the bigger tax changes arrive in 2028. Bulgaria plans to replace the alternative casino and gaming hall tax with a two-part state fee.

For online betting, the proposed variable fee would equal 21% of bets minus winnings in 2027 and 22% from 2028, subject to a minimum monthly payment of €100,000.

Gambling Advertising and Affiliate Marketing Face Ban

The Council of Ministers approved the proposed legislation on November 11 and submitted it to the National Assembly.

Bulgaria already restricted gambling advertising across television, radio, print and online media in 2024. The latest proposal would extend those restrictions into a general ban covering gambling games, operators and their brands.

Gambling companies could still display trademarks through limited sponsorship arrangements involving sports clubs, federations, cultural projects, healthcare and education. However, television and online coverage of sponsored events would face additional restrictions.

The legislation would also terminate gambling affiliate operator licences from January 1, 2027, ending affiliate marketing activities that promote betting products.

Bulgaria Tightens Financial Controls on Gambling Operators

Foreign online gambling companies would need a business establishment in Bulgaria, allowing authorities to monitor financial activity more closely.

Operators would also have to connect their gaming systems directly to the National Revenue Agency. The regulator could then access betting, winnings and revenue data in real time or at specified intervals.

Banks, electronic money companies and payment providers would face another requirement. Any gambling transaction remuneration exceeding 1.5% of the transaction value would go to the state budget.

Meanwhile, annual contributions toward gambling addiction prevention would increase to €60,000 for online betting, €20,000 for casinos and €10,000 for other gambling activities.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education would share the funds equally to support prevention programmes and public education.

The bill still requires parliamentary examination and approval before the proposed gambling regulations become law.

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