Bulgaria’s gambling industry is preparing for another regulatory shift as lawmakers move forward with new rules targeting affiliate businesses.
The measures are included in the country’s delayed 2026 budget, which has now reached the final approval stage in the National Assembly after months of political uncertainty. The budget outlines a deficit of around 5.7%, with projected spending of €56.8bn compared to expected revenue of €49.5bn.
One of the key gambling-related proposals introduces a licensing framework for affiliates working with regulated operators. The government also plans a new taxation model designed to increase oversight and reduce tax avoidance in the sector.
Under the proposal, affiliates would pay an annual fixed fee of €6,000 alongside a 10% tax on commissions earned from gambling promotion activities. Authorities estimate the changes could generate approximately €100m in additional yearly revenue.
The legislative delay was linked to Bulgaria’s period under a caretaker government, which limited progress on major fiscal decisions. Political stability returned after April’s elections, allowing officials to resume work on economic and regulatory reforms.
The changes arrive during a wider period of transition for Bulgarian gambling oversight. Alexander Popov has stepped down as Director of Gambling Policy at the National Revenue Agency, with reports suggesting Ginka Panaretova could become his successor.
Bulgaria has already tightened gambling rules in recent years, including restrictions on advertising across television, radio and certain public spaces introduced in 2024. Debate over gambling promotions continues, particularly following criticism of betting-related content shown during FIFA World Cup broadcasts by Bulgarian National Television, which maintained that the material followed sponsorship regulations rather than direct advertising.