Bulgaria initiated a public consultation on September 23, 2026, regarding comprehensive gambling reforms aimed at limiting advertising and increasing oversight. The proposed measures could significantly impact online operators and affiliates.
What Happened
Bulgaria commenced a public consultation on September 23, 2026, concerning extensive gambling reforms, as reported by Mundovideo.com.co. The proposed changes would significantly restrict commercial advertising for gambling, enhance fiscal and technological oversight of casino operations, and potentially increase the tax burden on online operators. This consultation period is scheduled to conclude on October 23, after which the Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Rumen Radev, will determine the final draft for submission to the National Assembly (Mundovideo.com.co).
The proposed legislation intends to prohibit advertising for gambling operators, brands, and games across various media including television, radio, print, internet platforms, social media, applications, streaming services, and outdoor advertising. Exceptions are primarily limited to operators’ proprietary websites, licensed gambling premises, and specific sports sponsorship arrangements. Signage at gambling venues would be restricted to 20% of the building facade, with a maximum area of 50 square meters, and at least 10% of the permitted advertising space must feature addiction-risk warnings (Mundovideo.com.co).
Furthermore, the reform seeks to maintain sponsorships involving clubs, federations, leagues, and sporting events, but would disallow digital overlays during broadcasts. It would also discontinue commercial formats previously utilized during the 2026 FIFA World Cup for promoting betting brands through partnership-style communications (Mundovideo.com.co).
Key Details
- The public consultation period began on September 23, 2026, and will close on October 23, 2026 (Mundovideo.com.co).
- The proposed reforms include a near-total ban on gambling advertising across most media channels (Mundovideo.com.co, Bulgaria Plans Sweeping Gambling Advertising Restrictions).
- Affiliate licenses, which were introduced on August 1, 2026, are slated for termination from January 1, 2027, under the current draft (Mundovideo.com.co).
- Gaming machines and equipment in casinos and gaming halls would be required to connect in real-time to the National Revenue Agency for enhanced tax control (Mundovideo.com.co).
- The Ministry of Finance is evaluating a further increase in the online gambling levy, which previously rose from 20% to 25% of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in 2026 (Mundovideo.com.co).
- Foreign licensed operators would be mandated to register and report local financial activity in Bulgaria (Mundovideo.com.co).
Why It Matters
These proposed legislative changes represent a significant regulatory shift for the Bulgarian gambling market. The near-total ban on advertising, if enacted, would fundamentally alter how operators engage with consumers and acquire new clientele. The termination of affiliate licenses shortly after their introduction signals a recalibration of the market structure, potentially impacting a segment of the industry that relies on such partnerships (Mundovideo.com.co).
Increased fiscal and technological oversight, including real-time connection to the National Revenue Agency and potential tax increases, could affect the operational costs and profitability for both land-based and online operators. The measures addressing foreign licensed operators and focusing on AML, tax evasion, and responsible gambling indicate a broader governmental effort to strengthen control and compliance within the sector. Opposition parties are reportedly advocating for even stricter regulations, including higher fines and prohibitions on cryptocurrency gambling, which suggests a potentially escalating regulatory environment (Mundovideo.com.co).
What’s Next
Following the conclusion of the public consultation on October 23, 2026, the Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Rumen Radev, will finalize the draft legislation for submission to the National Assembly (Mundovideo.com.co).
Originally reported by Mundovideo.com.coPublished
Sources & References
Primary source
- Mundovideo.com.comundovideo.com.co