Bulgaria plans to ban all gambling advertising

The Bulgarian government has approved a draft law that provides for a full ban on gambling advertising and higher taxes and fees in the betting sector. The draft, approved by the Council of Ministers on 11 November, will now be sent to Parliament.

The ban will cover the products and affiliated brands of licensed operators. Television, radio, print publications, online platforms and outdoor advertising will also fall within its scope. Gambling companies will be able to use their brands in a limited number of sponsorship agreements. Partnerships with sports clubs, federations, associations and organizations are among them. Sponsorships and financial contributions in the fields of culture, health and education will also be possible. However, the government wants to limit how these sponsorships are shown on TV and in online broadcasts. The draft will also end the activity of affiliate operators that promote gambling products through third-party channels.

According to the government, existing restrictions have proven insufficient. The new regulation aims to reduce gambling-related harm, especially among children and vulnerable groups.

On the fiscal side, land-based casinos and gaming halls will be taxed more heavily from 2027. In 2028, these payments will be replaced by a two-part state fee consisting of a fixed payment and a variable part linked to betting volume and payouts. Online operators will pay a variable monthly state fee of at least 100,000 euros (110,781 dollars). License fees, responsible gaming contributions and penalties for regulatory violations will also be increased. Companies that produce, import, distribute or maintain gaming equipment will pay 50,000 euros (55,392 dollars) for a 5-year license and 100,000 euros (110,781 dollars) for a 10-year license.

Foreign companies will need to maintain a permanent business presence in the country in order to offer online gambling in Bulgaria. Banks, payment institutions and electronic money providers will also pay a contribution fee on gambling-related transactions. In addition, an electronic connection between operators' gaming systems and the National Revenue Agency is planned. In the education part of the package, information campaigns and prevention programs may be carried out in schools and other educational institutions.