Bulgaria proposes gambling advertising ban and higher license fees
The bill would also ban affiliate marketing and set a €100,000 minimum monthly state fee for online betting operators from January 1, 2028.
Key points
- The government submitted the Gambling Act amendments to Bulgaria's National Assembly on November 11, 2026.
- A five-year online betting license would cost €400,000, with fees doubling for a 10-year term.
- Overseas online betting operators would need a business presence in Bulgaria.
- The bill will proceed to parliamentary committees for consideration.
Bulgaria's government has proposed a ban on gambling advertising and affiliate marketing as part of a bill that would also raise license fees and tighten oversight of operators. The Council of Ministers submitted the Gambling Act amendments to the National Assembly on November 11, 2026.
The proposal would prohibit advertising for gambling products, operators and associated brands across all channels and locations, Focus Gaming News reported. The government said the measures aim to reduce addiction risks and protect vulnerable groups from gambling-related harm.
Limited trademark displays would remain permissible for sponsorships involving sports organizations and activities in culture, healthcare and education. Restrictions would also apply to television broadcasts and online coverage of sponsored events.
A five-year online betting license would cost €400,000, while five-year licenses for casinos, lotteries and sports betting would cost €300,000. Fees would double for licenses issued for 10-year terms.
Gaming hall licenses would cost €75,000 for five years in municipalities with populations below 500,000 and €150,000 in larger cities. A five-year license for producing, distributing, maintaining and importing gaming equipment would cost €50,000.
The proposal calls for higher quarterly taxes on gaming equipment in 2027. From January 1, 2028, a state-fee model with fixed and variable components would replace the current alternative tax system, with a minimum monthly fee of €100,000 for online betting operators.
Overseas operators offering online betting to Bulgarian customers would have to establish a local business presence. Gambling companies would also have to link their systems electronically to the National Revenue Agency, allowing it to receive information on bets, winnings and revenue in real time or at specified intervals.
The bill would increase mandatory contributions to responsible gambling and addiction prevention programs. Online betting operators would contribute €60,000 annually, casino operators €20,000 and providers of other gambling products €10,000. The bill will proceed to parliamentary committees for consideration.
Sources
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