Bulgaria proposes strict gambling bans and customs reforms

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has announced a series of sweeping regulatory changes aimed at the gambling sector and customs enforcement. The proposed legislation includes a near-total ban on gambling advertisements to reduce addiction and protect youth. While advertising on sports equipment and facilities remains permitted to support athletics, the government intends to ban bright, provocative illuminated signs on casino facades.

To increase transparency and combat money laundering, the government plans to mandate that all gambling equipment be connected to the National Revenue Agency in real time. The new tax model will focus on actual financial results rather than gross turnover, and a significant tax hike is expected for online gambling operators. Foreign companies operating in the Bulgarian market will also be required to register their financial activities locally.

Additionally, the government is proposing amendments to the Penal Code to reclassify customs violations from administrative offenses to serious crimes. This move is intended to target organized crime and corruption within the customs administration, specifically addressing the smuggling of goods across EU borders.