Bulgaria’s NRA Adds 52 More Gambling Operators to Blacklist

Bulgaria’s National Revenue Agency (NRA) has intensified its crackdown on unlicensed online gambling operators, adding 52 more sites to the country’s growing blacklist. These sites, which targeted Bulgarian players without proper licenses, face potential legal action and ISP blocks if they fail to comply with local regulations.

Bulgaria’s NRA Blacklists 52 Unlicensed Gambling Sites, Expands Regulatory Crackdown

The National Revenue Agency (NRA) of Bulgaria has announced the addition of 52 more online gambling operators to its blacklist for operating without a valid local license. The NRA’s Electronic Audit of Systems of Gambling Operators unit discovered that these sites were allowing Bulgarian users to create accounts, deposit money, and participate in gambling activities despite having no authorization to operate within the country.

Key Points:

1. 52 Sites Blacklisted: The NRA identified unlicensed gambling platforms using .am (Armenia) and .kz (Kazakhstan) domains, with no restrictions preventing Bulgarian players from accessing their services.
2. Legal Action Pending: The NRA has warned that if the blacklisted sites do not voluntarily block Bulgarian players, they will face legal complaints lodged at the Bulgarian High Court and ISP blocks to restrict their access in the country.
3. Growing Regulatory Crackdown: The move comes as part of a broader effort by Bulgarian authorities to ensure compliance in the country’s rapidly growing regulated gambling sector.

The Impact of Blacklisting

The NRA’s decision to add these 52 sites to the blacklist reflects its continued commitment to protecting the regulated gambling market in Bulgaria. The NRA noted that while some of the newly blacklisted sites had foreign domains such as .am and .kz, there were no adequate geoblocking measures to prevent Bulgarian players from accessing these platforms. This lack of compliance is considered a direct violation of Bulgaria’s gambling laws.

If the operators do not restrict access to Bulgarian users, the NRA plans to escalate the matter by issuing legal complaints and working with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block the sites entirely. This proactive approach aligns with Bulgaria’s efforts to ensure that all gambling operators providing services within the country adhere to the nation’s licensing requirements.

A Booming Gambling Market

In parallel with these enforcement actions, the Bulgarian gambling industry has experienced substantial growth. According to data from the Association of Gaming Industry in Bulgaria (AGIB), regulated operators paid out an impressive BNG 5.79 billion (€2.96 billion) in winnings exceeding BNG 5,000 in 2023. This marks a significant 147% increase compared to the previous year, reflecting the expansion of the regulated market.

The rise in winnings has also led to a surge in the number of players receiving large payouts. In 2023, 120,853 players received winnings above BNG 5,000, nearly doubling the 52,852 players from the previous year. The average win rose by 8.2%, reaching BNG 47,909.

Advertising Ban and Industry Challenges

In addition to the growing market, Bulgaria’s gambling industry has faced new advertising restrictions aimed at curbing the promotion of gambling to vulnerable populations. In May 2023, a law banning gambling advertisements on television, radio, print, and online came into force after approval by President Rumen Radev. Despite opposition from operators, the ban was passed to limit the influence of gambling promotions, particularly on younger audiences.

The remaining permissible advertising includes billboards located more than 100 meters from schools and ads displayed on the buildings of gaming halls and casinos. These must feature prominent responsible gambling messages, covering at least 10% of the advertising space. Non-compliance with these advertising rules can result in severe penalties, including fines of up to BGN 50,000 (€25,570) and possible license withdrawal for repeat offenders. However, national sports tote draws are exempt from the ad restrictions.

The NRA’s move to blacklist additional gambling sites is part of its broader mission to maintain a safe and regulated gambling market in Bulgaria. With the country’s gambling sector booming, regulatory actions like these are essential to protecting consumers and ensuring that all operators comply with local laws. As Bulgaria continues to grow as a key player in the European gambling market, the NRA’s efforts will remain pivotal in upholding the integrity of the industry.