The Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (NRA) has ramped up its efforts to combat illegal online gambling, blocking more than 2,500 unauthorized gambling websites since the start of 2024. In the past month alone, the NRA’s executive director issued around 640 orders to shut down unlicensed betting platforms operating in Bulgaria.
The NRA actively monitors the gambling industry and ensures that unlicensed websites halt operations within three days of a ruling being published on its website. If the platforms fail to comply, the NRA takes legal action, notifying courts to issue orders that force internet service providers to block access to these sites and their subdomains. The agency’s website maintains an updated list of illegal gambling platforms operating without proper licensing under Bulgaria’s Gambling Act.
This aggressive approach underscores Bulgaria’s determination to regulate its gambling industry more tightly, a move that coincides with the country’s inclusion on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “greylist” as of October 27, 2023. The government’s efforts to crack down on illegal gambling aim to meet FATF criteria and remove Bulgaria from the greylist. Key strategies include banning gambling advertising and limiting access to unauthorized platforms, reflecting the country’s commitment to establishing a more controlled gambling environment.
In addition to blocking illegal websites, Bulgaria recently passed legislation banning nearly all gambling-related advertising. Just before the national elections, the 49th National Assembly unanimously approved the ban, which prohibits gambling advertising in print, radio, television, electronic media, and public spaces. The sole exception is the state-run Bulgarian Sports Totalizator, which may continue promoting its games. Despite opposition from gambling operators, media outlets, advertising agencies, and sports organizations, the government pressed forward with the ban, citing public health concerns and the need to address problem gambling.
Restrictions on billboards were also introduced, with gambling ads banned from locations within 300 meters of schools, kindergartens, or universities. Additionally, billboards that do display gambling ads must allocate at least 10% of their space to warnings about addiction risks. The new laws also target gambling halls and casinos in smaller communities, banning such establishments in towns with fewer than 10,000 residents. These venues are required to close within three years, except in resort areas and towns near border checkpoints.
These measures are part of Bulgaria’s broader strategy to strengthen its gambling regulations and foster a safer, more regulated gambling market, ultimately aiming to protect public health and support its removal from the FATF greylist.