Gambling Laws in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a history of problematic gambling behaviour dating back to the 1800s. This resulted in a complete ban at the end of that century to control rampant corruption. Nowadays Bulgarian gambling regulations enable a much more open market for operators, although some activities run under monopoly control.

Which Gambling Activities Are Legal in Bulgaria?

Most types are legal under the country's Gambling Act of 2012. Some activities are only accessible to residents via a single monopoly company though, so choices can be slim.

Playing in Land-Based and Online Casinos

Casino gambling in brick-and-mortar venues is legal. Operators are required to obtain a licence issued by the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency, the country's main gambling authority. There are currently around 15 large casinos with most located in the capital Sofia, or the various beach towns which are popular with tourists. There are also hundreds of smaller establishments and slot halls which are the preferred venues for locals

Online casinos are also legal via licensed operators only. These have been issued since 2012, but companies were initially reluctant to enter the market due to high tax rates. The government quickly addressed this, resulting in an increase in applications from 2013. This makes for an abundance of online gambling sites for residents. Whilst unlicensed platforms are actively blocked by ISPs.

Poker Gambling

Poker is classed as a game of luck in Bulgaria, not skill, so a casino licence is required. Although the game is legal, there are no standalone clubs, with existing casinos offering games instead. Various live poker tournaments take place in the larger casinos regularly.

Similarly, online poker gaming is legal, with operators required to obtain a casino licence to offer such services to residents.

Betting on Bingo

Bingo is legal in Bulgaria but there are no dedicated halls, as the game is viewed more as a type of lottery. Bingo comes under the monopoly control of the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator.

Playing bingo online is also legal but only via the Totalizator website which at the moment doesn't offer any games. This leaves residents with a range of unlicensed sites, although many are blocked by ISPs.

Lotto Tickets and Instant Win Games

Various locations across the country sell lottery tickets, Toto bets, 5/35 games and scratch cards. The Bulgarian Sports Totalizator is the only permitted vendor. Playing online lottery games for real money is permitted but by the same company only.

Social Gambling and Online Crypto Casinos

Social casinos and loot boxes are not specifically mentioned in the current legislation and are therefore unregulated. Gambling in a private residence is allowed though so long as no commercial profits are being made.

Bitcoin is recognised in Bulgaria as a virtual currency but not to the point where it can be accepted at established casinos. Online crypto gambling sites are not legally available to residents though some still accept players from the country.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Bulgaria?

Yes, and it's very popular, especially when it comes to football betting. In-person sports betting is strictly the domain of the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator, with the brand running hundreds of bookies.

Online sports betting is also legal and was operated under the same conditions with a monopoly controlled by Totalizator. This was changed in 2013 to allow other operators to obtain a licence and access the Bulgarian market.

What's the Minimum Age to Gamble in Bulgaria?

You must be at least 18 years old to take part in any gambling activities.

Bulgarian Gambling Tax Regulations

Land-based operators must pay a 15% tax on gross gambling revenue. In addition, casinos are charged fees based on their equipment: ~€11,000 per Roulette table, ~€2,500 per other casino equipment, and ~€250 per gaming machine/terminal/seat. The tax for online gambling sites serving Bulgaria is 20% of gross revenue. Winnings obtained by residents from gambling are not taxed.

History of Gambling Laws in Bulgaria

Gambling regulations date back to the 1800s, with the activity outright banned in the late 19th century. The incidence of illegal gambling operations and corruption, despite the ban, persisted into the 20th century.

In 1957 the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator was established. This organisation was given full monopoly control of lotteries, sports betting and bingo gaming.

In 1979 the first land-based casino was opened in Bulgaria, but only tourists were allowed to visit them. This was changed in 1993 along with the introduction of anti-money laundering laws.

Online gambling was legalised in 2008, though it wasn't fully enacted until the publishing of the Gambling Act in 2012.

Key Facts

• In-person and online casino gambling is legal in Bulgaria but operators must hold the relevant licensing.

• Online and land-based bingo games are legal. They are classed as lotteries though, and come under the monopoly of the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator.

• Playing the lottery is legal, with both online and offline games provided by Bulgarian Sports Totalizator.

• Offline sports betting is the sole domain of the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator, while online sports betting is possible via several licensed operators.