Gambling and Gaming
Why Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a fully regulated, EU-member gambling market with a single national regulator – the National Revenue Agency (NRA) – a clear licensing framework under the Gambling Act, and operating costs that remain competitive by European standards. Licensed operators reach a mature market of players within a legal system aligned with EU law.
From August 2026, Bulgaria is also one of the first EU jurisdictions to license gambling affiliates. Any business earning performance-based commission from Bulgarian player activity now needs its own NRA licence, making timely, well-prepared applications essential for affiliates and operators alike.
Gambling and Gaming Landscape
The sector continues to grow on the back of mobile-first products, live dealer games, cryptocurrency payments and AI-driven personalisation, extending well beyond traditional casino games into sports betting, esports and virtual products.
Growth has been matched by tighter regulation: gambling advertising is restricted, licensees face strict AML and data localisation obligations, and – since the 2026 amendments to the Gambling Act – affiliates and marketing intermediaries are under direct regulatory supervision.
Regulatory Framework
Gambling in Bulgaria is governed by the Gambling Act, with the NRA acting as licensing and supervisory authority since 2020. Licences cover online betting and casino games, land-based casinos and gaming halls, lotteries and ancillary activities.
Licensed organisers are obliged entities under the Measures Against Money Laundering Act, and online operators must store player and transaction data in Bulgaria, in compliance with GDPR and local data localisation rules.
Only licensed gambling may be advertised in Bulgaria, and advertising itself is significantly restricted. The 2026 State Budget Act brought affiliates within this regime for the first time, with dedicated licensing, fees and sanctions.
Our role is to guide clients through this framework and to secure and maintain the licences and registrations their business model requires.
Affiliate Licensing
Affiliates whose remuneration depends on performance indicators — players referred, registrations, deposits, bets or gaming revenue — must now hold a five-year NRA licence and declare every website, app, social media account and streaming channel they use for promotion.
Licensed affiliates pay an annual state fee of EUR 6,000, plus a 10% charge on performance-based commission withheld by the operator and remitted to the NRA. They may promote only Bulgarian-licensed operators and must follow the same advertising restrictions. Unlicensed activity attracts fines of up to approximately EUR 20,000, confiscation of income and blocking of websites and social media.
We assess whether your commercial model is caught, prepare and file the NRA application and channel declarations, review your affiliate agreements and support your ongoing compliance.
Our Services
Affiliate Licensing and Registration
NRA licence applications under the 2026 affiliate regime – eligibility assessment, channel declarations and ongoing compliance.
Operator Licensing (Online and Land-Based)
Bulgarian licences for online betting and casino, land-based casinos and gaming halls, from application through to maintenance.
International Licensing Strategy
Multi-jurisdictional licensing strategy for operators and other participants in the value chain across the EU and offshore hubs.
Advertising and Marketing Compliance
Bulgaria’s gambling advertising restrictions, consumer protection and unfair competition rules, and review of campaigns and affiliate content.
AML and Compliance
AML programmes for gambling organisers as obliged entities — internal rules, building compliance teams, and verifying and testing compliance.
Data Protection and Player Data
GDPR compliance and Bulgaria’s data localisation requirements for player and transaction data held by online licensees.
Payments, E-Money and Crypto
Advising payment service providers, e-money institutions and platforms integrating digital assets and cryptocurrency payments in gambling.
M&A and Financing in Gaming
Acquisitions, disposals and financing of licensed gaming businesses, including regulatory change-of-control approvals.
Gaming Disputes and Enforcement
Regulatory enforcement and cross-border gaming disputes — we have acted for clients from 42 jurisdictions in over 500 disputes.