Bulgaria’s NRA Cracks Down on Over 2,500 Unlicensed Websites

The National Revenue Agency (NRA) of Bulgaria is cracking down on illegal online gambling, having shut down over 2,500 unlicensed websites this year alone. Led by Executive Director Rumen Spetsov, the NRA has intensified its efforts to enforce compliance with Bulgaria’s gambling laws, protecting consumers and safeguarding the integrity of the gaming industry. In September alone, more than 640 decisions were issued to halt illegal operations.

Bulgaria’s NRA Shuts Down Over 2,500 Unlicensed Gambling Websites in 2024

Bulgaria’s National Revenue Agency (NRA) has launched a robust campaign against unlicensed online gambling platforms, shutting down over 2,500 illegal betting websites since the beginning of 2024. This enforcement effort aims to uphold the country’s gambling regulations, ensuring that only licensed operators are allowed to offer services to Bulgarian consumers.

In September 2024, NRA Executive Director Rumen Spetsov made significant strides in the agency’s mission, issuing more than 640 decisions to halt the operations of online betting platforms that lacked the necessary permits. These actions are part of a broader, ongoing effort to ensure compliance and protect users from the risks associated with unregulated gambling.

Key Points:

1. NRA Enforcement Success: Over 2,500 unlicensed gambling websites have been shut down by the NRA since January 2024, with more than 640 decisions made in September alone.
2. Consumer Protection: The NRA’s crackdown aims to shield users from unregulated operators, who often bypass local regulations and put consumers at risk.
3. Public Transparency: The NRA maintains a public register of unlicensed websites and encourages users to report illegal platforms.

The agency’s protocol grants the affected websites a three-day grace period to cease operations voluntarily. If operators fail to comply, the NRA refers the case to the court, which may then instruct internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to non-compliant websites. This enforcement process ensures that illegal gambling platforms are not only identified but also effectively removed from the Bulgarian market.

Public Participation and Transparency

To keep the public informed and involved, the NRA publishes all decisions and court rulings related to unlicensed gambling in the Online Gambling section of its website. In addition, the agency maintains an up-to-date public register of gambling websites operated by entities that do not hold valid gambling permits. This transparency is critical to the NRA’s mission, allowing players and operators alike to stay informed about legal and illegal operators in the market.

The NRA also encourages public participation, urging users to report unlicensed gambling websites via email. This collaborative approach aims to further reduce the presence of illegal operators in the Bulgarian market, ensuring that consumers are protected and the integrity of the gaming industry is maintained.

The NRA’s crackdown on unlicensed gambling websites in Bulgaria demonstrates the agency’s commitment to maintaining a regulated and transparent gaming market. By shutting down more than 2,500 illegal platforms and encouraging public participation, the NRA is taking firm steps to protect consumers and ensure compliance with Bulgarian gambling laws. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, regulatory bodies like the NRA play a crucial role in ensuring fair play and protecting users from unregulated risks.