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Legality of all forms of gambling: casinos, bookmakers, lotteries, online
Legality of all forms of gambling: casinos, bookmakers, lotteries and online (Bulgaria)
Bulgaria is one of the most open gambling jurisdictions in Eastern Europe. Unlike neighboring countries, where certain types of gambling are prohibited or limited, all forms of gambling are legally allowed here: land casinos, bookmakers, lotteries, gambling halls, bingo and online gambling.
This model combines tight control, transparent licensing and a high level of social responsibility, which allows you to maintain both the budget and the image of a safe entertainment industry.
1) Legalization legal basis
All types of gambling are regulated by the Gambling Act 2012, with subsequent amendments (including the 2020 reform).
The law establishes uniform principles for all verticals:- license is required for each category (online and offline);
- strict KYC/AML procedures and equipment certification;
- mandatory integration of operators into the centralized reporting system of the National Revenue Agency (NRA);
- gross revenue tax (GGR) and license fees.
Thus, the law does not make exceptions between forms of gambling - each can be legally carried out subject to licensing conditions.
2) Casinos and gaming halls
Allowed in hotels, resort and border zones, as well as in large cities.
All halls are required to use certified slot machines and roulettes with an online connection to the NRA.
Control includes RNG auditing, event logging, reports for each game session.
Casinos can offer board games, poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, as well as live sections.
The segment focuses on tourism and MICE, especially in Varna, Burgas, Sofia, Bansko and Golden Sands.
3) Betting shops and sports betting
Allowed both offline and online.
The license covers betting on sports and non-sports events, including virtual games and eSports.
Operators shall apply:- complete KYC checks at registration;
- deposit and rate limits;
- risk notifications and self-monitoring.
- Popular brands: Efbet, Winbet, Betano, Palms Bet, 8888 bg, as well as international operators with a Bulgarian license.
Live betting and mobile applications make up more than 70% of the segment, reflecting the mobile-first trend.
4) Lotteries and sweepstakes
Until 2020, the market included both private and public lotteries.
After the 2020 reform, a state monopoly was introduced:- all lotteries are now managed by the Bulgarian Sports Betting Company (BST);
- private operators are prohibited from issuing tickets and holding raffles;
- control is exercised by the NRA, with all proceeds going to social and sports funds.
- The lottery remains an important tool for financing sports and charitable initiatives.
5) Online gambling - full legal status
Online casinos, betting, bingo and poker are legalized, subject to a local or European license.
Main requirements:- servers and platform are certified, RNG has passed an independent examination;
- sites integrated with NRA (real-time fiscal reporting);
- availability of the Bulgarian version of the interface and support service;
- clear RG tools: limits, self-exclusion, reality check.
- Operators are required to post a license number and risk warnings on the home page.
The online segment is the fastest growing: its share in Bulgaria's total GGR is estimated to exceed 55-60%.
6) Payments and compliance
Allowed: bank cards, transfers, e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller), Paysafecard, local payment gateways.
All transactions go through controlled PSPs connected to the NRA.
For cryptocurrencies, a neutral status is provided: integration through licensed on/off-ramp providers is allowed, subject to KYC/AML.
7) Responsible Gaming and Player Protection
Bulgaria has integrated the European responsible gambling model:- restrictions on deposits, time and rates;
- the possibility of temporary or complete self-exclusion;
- mandatory posting of information about support services;
- age control (18 +);
- mandatory training of personnel of offline halls.
In online and offline interfaces, the player sees a reality check, balance, betting history and expenses for the period.
8) Supervision and enforcement of the law
Since 2020, the entire market has been overseen by the National Revenue Agency (NRA).
The NRA maintains a register of licenses, a list of prohibited sites and controls the fiscal reports of operators.
The agency has the authority to:- block illegal domains;
- Freeze payments
- cancel licenses in case of violations;
- impose administrative fines.
This provides a tight but transparent control system, minimizing the shadow sector.
9) The economic importance of the legal system
Bulgarian gambling forms up to 1.5% of the country's GDP and is a significant source of taxes and jobs.
More than 12,000 people are employed in the industry - from dealers and operators to analysts and engineers.
Casino tourism supports year-round resort employment, and taxes fund sports, culture, and education.
10) Advantages of the full legality model
11) Forecast to 2030
The share of online gambling will exceed 70% of the total GGR.
Development of live and hybrid models (bets + virtual events + social functions).
Introduction of public RG metrics and operator reporting.
Possible integration of regulated crypto payments after MiCA implementation.
An increase in the number of tourist casino complexes on the coast and in the mountains.
Bulgaria has proven that the total legalization of all forms of gambling with strict control can bring stable income to the state and protect players.
The combination of tight NRA oversight, transparent licensing and Responsible Gaming culture makes the country one of the EU's exemplary iGaming markets.
Here gambling is not a "gray sector," but a regulated part of the economy, working according to European standards and ensuring a balance between entertainment, security and public interest.