Bulgarian Gaming Halls Seek Distance Exemption

Gaming hall and casino operators in Bulgaria are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the Gambling Act. The Bulgarian Association of Licensed Gaming Organisers, which represents the sector, announced that it will resort to peaceful protests if its demands are not taken into account.

Under amendments adopted last year, gaming halls and casinos are prohibited from operating within 300 metres of educational institutions and other designated locations. The draft amendment requires the operators concerned to submit documents proving compliance with these location rules by 30 April 2027.

According to the association, the law creates a gap by leaving out sports betting points outside of dealerships. association member Georgi Petkov said that three or four sports betting shops have opened in small towns in place of the closed gaming halls. The association argues that this creates state-supported unfair competition.

The association also points out that there are businesses holding long-standing licences and demands equal treatment for all physical gambling and betting venues. It is stated that licence and investment costs, depending on the size of the premises, can reach around 1.3 million euros. According to the association, if the ban is enforced, about 800 gaming halls could close, 20,000 people could lose their jobs, and the state could lose approximately 400 million euros in tax revenue.

Sector representatives have begun talks with the Deputy Minister of Finance. The association says it could support advertising restrictions and tax increases, but makes the lifting of the distance requirement for existing licensed operators a condition.