Bulgaria Approves Bill to Ban Gambling Advertising and Affiliate Activity

Bulgaria’s Council of Ministers approved draft amendments to the Gambling Act on November 11 that would prohibit advertising for gambling products, operators and their brands, while ending gambling affiliate activity.

The package still requires parliamentary approval. Cabinet approval does not bring the proposed restrictions into force. 

Limited sponsorship exceptions would remain

According to the government’s announcement, operators would retain limited brand visibility through sponsorship of sports clubs, federations, associations and organisations. Branding would also be permitted in connection with support for culture, healthcare and education.

The government said the restrictions aim to prevent gambling addiction and protect vulnerable groups. Ending affiliate activity would align the rules for businesses promoting gambling with the wider advertising ban. 

The draft notified to the European Commission also envisages revoking affiliate operators’ licences, extending the proposal beyond restrictions on individual advertising campaigns. 

Online operators face minimum monthly fees

The variable component of the two-part state fee for issuing and maintaining an online betting licence would be subject to a minimum of €100,000 per month.

Foreign companies offering online betting would also have to establish a taxable business presence in Bulgaria. The government said this would help authorities compare financial flows, stakes, winnings, revenue and expenses with declared corporate tax liabilities.

The package additionally proposes higher one-off licence fees, responsible gambling contributions and financial penalties.

Payment providers would surrender fees above a threshold

Banks, payment institutions and electronic money companies processing gambling deposits or winnings would face a separate financial obligation.

Where their remuneration exceeds 1.5% of a payment’s value, the excess would have to be transferred to the state budget. The proposed contribution therefore applies to the portion of the processing fee above that threshold, rather than imposing a flat 1.5% charge on each transaction.