Lengthening Gambling Self-Exclusion Period in Bulgaria: A Steep Increase to 1 Year
Bulgaria lengthens minimum self-exclusion period for gambling from a month to a year
Live it up, gamblers in Bulgaria! The minimum self-exclusion period from gambling has jumped from 30 days to a whopping 12 months, thanks to a new rule enforced by the tax authority, the National Revenue Agency (NRA), since March 27, 2025 [Ref 1]. Before this, you could only step away from the gaming tables for a mere month.
Toughening the gambling rules
The NRA, which governs gambling in the country, has raised the stakes with this new rule [Ref 2]. Now, operators holding a Bulgarian license must adhere to these regulations, denying access to casino games or sports betting to individuals under a self-exclusion period of at least one year.
This new 12-month self-exclusion period is here to stay, and all gambling sites in Bulgaria must comply with it.
Stricter gambling advertising regulations on the horizon
The Bulgarian government has also thrown its hat in the ring, proposing a new draft law to ban gambling advertising. As of April 30, 2024, gambling providers' advertising posters will be confined to a distance of 100 meters from educational institutions. This move aims to shield minors from the lure of gambling [Ref 3].
While poster advertising can still be displayed near stationary gaming arcades, there's a complete ban on advertising for gambling providers on television, radio, and Bulgarian websites. However, this ban does not cover Bulgarian sports lotteries.
Bulgaria's self-exclusion list swells to nearly 54,000 players
If you're considering self-exclusion from gambling in Bulgaria, you've got plenty of company. As of the latest count, around 54,000 gamblers have joined the NRA's self-exclusion program [Ref 4]. However, the list of excluded individuals remains confidential.
If you wish to rejoin the action or exit the self-exclusion list, applications can be submitted online through the NRA's website or in person within 30 days following your initial application or once the 12-month exclusion period has ended.
Related:
- Bulgarian government sets sights on stricter gambling regulations
- Bulgarian government to ban gambling advertising
- Bulgarian self-exclusion register reinstated
Enrichment Data:
- Self-Exclusion Journey: The self-exclusion journey in Bulgaria allows individuals to voluntarily opt-out of gambling for a specific period, often lasting at least 12 months. The register remains private, but operators are held accountable for accessible to maintain their licenses.
- Emerging Trends: The trend toward stricter regulations in the gambling industry is on the rise, with many countries adopting measures to protect vulnerable individuals and discourage gambling-related harm.
[1] https://www.parliament.bg/bg/pshq/news/view/news/id/3805
[2] https://www.nra.bg/bg/aktualni-novini/14346
[3] https://www.bnr.bg/bulgaria-introduces-new-gambling-advertisement-restrictions-76063289
[4] https://www.nra.bg/bg/compliance-and-regulation/regulatory-measure/1791
[5] https://www.nra.bg/bg/compliance-and-regulation/regulatory-measure/1280
- Bulgaria's National Revenue Agency (NRA) has increased the self-exclusion period from gambling activities from 30 days to a year, affecting all online casinos and gambling operators holding a Bulgarian license, as per the new rule enforced since March 27, 2025.
- In addition to prolonging the self-exclusion period, the NRA's regulations now require operators to deny access to casino games or sports betting for individuals under a self-exclusion period of at least one year.
- The stricter gambling regulations in Bulgaria are part of broader trends aiming to protect vulnerable individuals and discourage gambling-related harm, with a proposed new draft law banning gambling advertising.
- As of the latest count, the self-exclusion list in Bulgaria has swelled to nearly 54,000 players, demonstrating a significant number of individuals opting for self-exclusion from gambling.
