Bulgaria Government Approves Total Ban on Gambling Advertising

The Bulgarian Council of Ministers approved draft amendments on November 11 to ban all gambling advertising and increase taxes and fees across the gaming sector. These proposals will now proceed to Parliament for consideration, according to GamblingNews.

What Happened

The Bulgarian government’s Council of Ministers officially approved a draft bill on November 11, 2026, which outlines a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising across all media platforms. The proposed legislation, detailed by GamblingNews, also includes significant increases in taxes and fees for gambling operators.

The ban on advertising would apply to all gambling products, licensed operators, and their associated brands, encompassing television, radio, print publications, online platforms, and outdoor advertising. While the amendments would prohibit most marketing, gambling companies would retain the ability to brand a limited number of sponsorship arrangements with sports clubs, federations, associations, and organizations, as well as make financial contributions in the cultural, health, and educational sectors. However, restrictions are planned for how these sponsorships are displayed in broadcast and online coverage of sponsored events. The legislation further seeks to terminate the activities of affiliate operators involved in promoting gambling products, aiming to prevent third-party marketing channels from advertising gambling services.

The government’s decision follows months of discussion regarding stricter gambling regulation, as a previous plan for a blanket ban and higher taxes was rejected by parliament in July 2026 due to concerns about the impact on licensed operators and the potential for increased activity on unregulated sites. Prime Minister Rumen Radev had indicated in September that the government would renew its efforts for tighter rules, GamblingNews reported.

Key Details

• Bulgaria’s Council of Ministers approved draft amendments on November 11, 2026, to ban gambling advertising across all media, as reported by GamblingNews.
• The proposed legislation also includes higher taxes, licensing fees, and responsible gambling contributions for operators, effective from 2027 for land-based casinos and gaming halls, and 2028 for online gambling (GamblingNews).
• Online gambling operators will face a variable monthly state fee of at least EUR 100,000 ($110,781), alongside increased licensing fees, with a five-year license for gaming equipment manufacturers costing EUR 50,000 ($55,392) and a ten-year license costing EUR 100,000 ($110,781) (GamblingNews).
• The amendments mandate a permanent business presence in Bulgaria for foreign online gambling companies and require banks and payment institutions handling gambling transactions to make financial contributions (GamblingNews).
• New measures include electronic links between gaming systems and the National Revenue Agency for real-time monitoring of bets, payouts, and revenue, and educational programs to prevent gambling addiction in schools (GamblingNews).

Why It Matters

The Bulgarian government’s move signifies a substantial shift in the regulatory landscape for the country’s gambling sector. The proposed advertising ban reflects an increased governmental focus on curbing gambling-related harm, particularly among vulnerable populations like children, according to GamblingNews. By restricting almost all forms of advertising, including that from affiliate operators, the government intends to limit public exposure to gambling promotions, which it believes existing restrictions have not adequately addressed.

The legislative package also introduces significant financial implications for operators, with increased taxation and licensing fees projected to raise operational costs. The requirement for foreign online gambling companies to establish a permanent business presence in Bulgaria, coupled with enhanced real-time monitoring through electronic links with the National Revenue Agency, aims to improve tax reporting and regulatory oversight. This comprehensive approach underscores a broader trend towards stricter controls and increased revenue generation from regulated gambling markets, aligning Bulgaria more closely with other jurisdictions implementing extensive regulatory reforms, GamblingNews reported.

What’s Next

The proposed changes, approved by the Council of Ministers, will now be submitted to the Bulgarian Parliament for consideration and approval. Their passage through Parliament is a prerequisite for them to become law, according to GamblingNews.