Bulgarian Cabinet Approves Complete Gambling Ad Ban and Higher Operator Taxes

The Bulgarian Council of Ministers has approved draft amendments to the Gambling Act that introduce a sweeping ban on gambling advertising alongside steep tax and licensing fee increases across the gaming sector. Endorsed on November 11 and now advancing to Parliament, the legislative package seeks to shield minors and vulnerable groups from gambling exposure while tightening state financial oversight.

Under the proposed rules, all gambling advertisements covering television, radio, print, digital platforms, and outdoor signage will be prohibited, and third-party affiliate marketing operations will be terminated. While limited brand visibility remains permissible within sports sponsorships and cultural, health, or educational partnerships, strict curbs will govern how these sponsorships appear in broadcast and online coverage. To reinforce oversight, the government plans to establish real-time electronic links between operators' gaming systems and the National Revenue Agency, alongside rolling out school-based addiction prevention initiatives.

Financially, operators face substantially higher costs starting in 2027. Online licensees will be subject to a minimum monthly variable state fee of €100,000 and must establish a permanent business presence in Bulgaria to ensure transparent tax reporting. Land-based casinos and gaming halls will absorb higher taxes in 2027 before transitioning to a two-part fixed and variable fee structure in 2028, while equipment suppliers will pay €50,000 for five-year licenses or €100,000 for ten-year permits. Additionally, financial institutions processing gambling transactions will be required to make mandatory contributions, and elevated responsible gambling levies will be split equally among the ministries of sport, health, and education. Driven forward by Prime Minister Rumen Radev following Parliament's rejection of an earlier proposal in July, the bill awaits final parliamentary ratification.