Land-based gambling in Bulgaria was legalized in 1993, when the State Commission on Gambling began issuing licenses to operators of physical gambling venues. Online gambling has been legal since 2008, but a dedicated regulatory framework was only introduced in 2012. Operators without a Bulgarian license are placed on a blacklist and blocked by internet service providers.
The gambling market is subject to strict regulation and taxation. Under the Gambling Act, licensed gambling operators are required to pay fees and taxes on their activities in Bulgaria.
The 2012 Gambling Act defines the list of permitted types of gambling. Such activities may be organized by state-owned or private companies, provided they obtain a license. The Act also lays down the rules for online gambling and has since been amended and supplemented several times. The latest consolidated version of the Act came into force on 1 January 2018.
The main regulatory authority for both land-based and online gambling in Bulgaria is the State Commission on Gambling, which operates under the Ministry of Finance. It is responsible for licensing operators, overseeing their activities and ensuring compliance with the Gambling Act, as well as for contributing to state budget revenues from gambling. The Commission also issues binding general rules and requirements for the organization of gambling. Where violations are identified, it has the power to impose sanctions. The latest news, reports and regulatory documents are published on its official website.
