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[BUSINESS] · Bulgaria · 3 sources

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Part of situation: Bulgarian efforts to regulate gambling and credit sectors (10 clusters)

Bulgaria proposes radical changes to Gambling Act for 2027

Gambling Act tax reform land-based casinos gaming regulations Bulgarian legislation

Bulgaria has proposed significant amendments to its Gambling Act, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. The new draft legislation introduces a hybrid taxation model for land-based casinos and gaming halls, replacing the previous system based on physical capacity and machine counts. Under the new proposal, operators would face a 20% tax on the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)—the difference between bets and winnings—alongside high mandatory monthly minimums.

Specific proposed minimum monthly thresholds include at least 200 euros per slot machine, 4,500 euros for roulette tables, and 1,000 euros for other equipment. Additionally, the draft includes substantial one-time licensing fees, reaching up to 600,000 euros for casinos and 300,000 euros for slot machines in cities with over 500,000 residents.

Other controversial measures include a requirement that gaming venues be located in settlements with more than 10,000 inhabitants and a total ban on online advertising. Critics argue these changes may drive the market toward unregulated offshore platforms and impact the revenue of local media and sports clubs.

Entities

Bulgaria

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [● 3 SOURCES] A new draft law for amending the Gambling Act is proposed to take effect on January 1, 2027. netnews.bg · www.ruse24.bg · www.varna24.bg
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The proposal includes a total ban on online advertising. netnews.bg
  • [● 2 SOURCES] A minimum monthly threshold of 4,500 euros is proposed for roulette tables. www.ruse24.bg · www.varna24.bg
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Minimum monthly thresholds include at least 200 euros per slot machine/gaming location. www.ruse24.bg · www.varna24.bg
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The draft introduces a 20% tax on the difference between bets and winnings (GGR) for land-based venues. www.ruse24.bg · www.varna24.bg
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The draft requires gaming venues to be located in settlements with more than 10,000 inhabitants. netnews.bg
  • [● 2 SOURCES] One-time licensing fees could reach up to 600,000 euros for casinos. www.ruse24.bg · www.varna24.bg

Sources

Нормативен хаос и икономически капан: Защо новите промени в Закона за хазарта са опасни и недомислени [www.ruse24.bg]
Хазартният сектор пред колапс: Новите регулации, които застрашават целия пазар - NetNews – Новините на Ямбол [netnews.bg]
Нормативен хаос и икономически капан: Защо новите промени в Закона за хазарта са опасни и недомислени [www.varna24.bg]