Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced a bill to amend the country’s Gambling Act, which includes a near-total ban on gambling advertising and a revised financial framework for operators.
The proposals aim to limit the presence of betting and gambling promotions across Bulgaria, where such ads are often endorsed by Bulgarian celebrities and entertainers, and to address gambling addiction.
Under the draft amendments, billboards, posters and other public displays promoting gambling would be prohibited. Casinos and gaming halls would also no longer be allowed to use bright, flashing or illuminated signs and promotional window displays.
Radev said the goal is to reduce the everyday visibility of gambling, and he complained that “our towns and villages have come to look like Las Vegas.”
“We don’t want gambling to have this everyday presence in the eyes of Bulgarian citizens. We don’t want this aggressive way of advertising, which corrupts young people and children,” Radev told the Ministerial Council.
Gambling logos and advertisements would remain permitted in limited sporting contexts, specifically on official club jerseys and in sports halls.
Earlier restrictions pushed marketing onto the streets
The proposal follows advertising restrictions introduced in 2024 on television, radio and online channels. However, those measures resulted in a greater visual presence of gambling through outdoor formats, including billboards, street posters and banners on buildings.
The government’s latest impact assessment concludes that current rules have not sufficiently limited the potential negative effects of gambling advertising. The assessment identifies young people and individuals already experiencing gambling-related problems as particularly vulnerable groups.
Operators face higher fees through 2028
The reform package would also revise the financial obligations of operators. The variable component of the online betting license fee would rise from 20% to 21% in 2027 and to 22% from 2028, with a minimum monthly variable fee of €100,000 (US$113,892).
Radev has also discussed a new taxation model for casinos and gaming based on real financial outcomes.
Foreign operators licensed in Bulgaria would be required to register their financial activities locally, so that they pay taxes in the country and remain subject to state control. The package would further introduce stricter anti-money laundering and tax evasion measures.
“Whoever operates on the Bulgarian market, and profits from it, will pay taxes here and be subject to full oversight by the Bulgarian state,” Radev said.
A portion of the revenue from higher online gambling taxes would go to sports and education, while increased responsible gambling contributions would fund prevention measures across sport, health and education.
Parliamentary majority expected to back the bill
The amendments are expected to receive wide support in parliament, where Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria holds a majority of seats following a landslide election win in April.
Opposition parties have also sought changes. Earlier this month, Democratic Bulgaria and We Continue the Change called for amendments to the law, and they criticized the government for failing to act on the regulations adopted in 2024.
“Gambling has turned into an epidemic. We accepted amendments in 2024 that also introduced serious limitations, but these regulations are not being followed, nor is the state implementing sanctions,” MP Bozhidar Bozhanov of Democratic Bulgaria said. His party has promoted such bans for years.