Casino in Sofia
The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is not only the political and cultural center of the country, but also the heart of legal gambling.
The largest and most elegant casinos in the Balkan region are concentrated here, where European service is combined with Eastern hospitality.
Two establishments stand out especially: Princess Casino Sofia and Palms Merkur Royal - the flagships of the industry that define the image of Bulgaria as an international iGaming destination.
1. Princess Casino Sofia - classic and prestige
General characteristics
Located in the Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Center complex, Princess Casino is the capital's oldest and most famous casino.
It became a real symbol of the Bulgarian gambling business of the 2000s, when Sofia began to actively develop the legal entertainment sector.
Features:- More than 150 slot machines and 20 board games;
- European roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker;
- VIP lounge with private high roller tables;
- Permanent poker tournaments and live events;
- Free drinks, parking, 24-hour work.
Interior and atmosphere
The design is a combination of art deco and classic luxury: velvet, gilding, soft lighting.
The clientele is mainly foreigners: businessmen, tourists and players from Greece, Turkey, Israel, Italy.
Value
Princess Casino has become a hub for international tourism, attracting guests to conferences, tournaments and VIP events.
It embodies the European level of service while maintaining traditional Bulgarian hospitality.
2. Palms Merkur Royal - modern luxury and innovation
General characteristics
Opened in 2021 at the Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia complex, the Palms Merkur Royal casino instantly became the new standard for premium gambling in the Balkans.
This is a joint project of the Bulgarian company Palms and the German holding Merkur Gaming, known for innovative slots and gambling technologies.
Features:- More than 1000 m ² playing areas;
- Modern Merkur and Novomatic slots, live roulette, poker, blackjack;
- Technological infrastructure - integration with BI systems, electronic cash desks and smart cards;
- Royal Club VIP area with personal service, cigar lounge and private tables;
- Panoramic bar overlooking downtown Sofia and Mount Vitosha.
Home Decor & Accents
Palms Merkur Royal is a new generation of European luxury design: glass, marble, chrome, soft lighting, digital panels.
The entire space is designed as a futuristic lounge complex, where the casino, bar and hotel merge into a single lifestyle entertainment format.
Value
Palms Merkur Royal has become a symbol of the "new Sofia" - dynamic, international and technological.
This is not just a casino, but a multifunctional center of premium leisure, attracting tourists from the EU and Middle Eastern countries.
3. Comparison and role in the metropolitan gambling market
Both casinos operate under license from the NRA (National Revenue Agent) and are fully compliant with Responsible Gaming standards, making them officially safe and transparent.
4. Casinos as part of the urban economy
Sofia casinos have become an important element of tourism and business infrastructure.
They contribute to the development of:- tourism (more than 25% of foreign guests visit casinos);
- hotel sector (complexes with hotels of 4-5 stars);
- workplaces (from croupiers and analysts to IT specialists);
- tax revenues (via GGR and licence fees).
Thus, the casino industry has become part of Sofia's brand as a modern capital with a European level of service and security.
Casino Princess Sofia and Palms Merkur Royal represent two generations of Bulgarian gambling - tradition and innovation, classics and manufacturability.
The first retains the spirit of elite recreation and stability, the second demonstrates the future of the industry: digitalization, comfort and international style.
Together they shape Sofia's image as a hub for legal, prestigious and high-end gambling tourism - a capital where excitement becomes part of the cultural experience.