Bulgarian authorities lengthen self-exclusion period for gambling addicts from 30 days to 12 months
Bulgaria Increases Minimum Self-Exclusion Period for Gambling
In a move aimed at strengthening responsible gambling practices and mitigating gambling-related harms, the Bulgarian government has increased the minimum self-exclusion period for gambling. The new rule, effective since March 27, 2025, requires all gambling providers with a Bulgarian license to comply.
The National Revenue Agency (NRA) of Bulgaria, responsible for gambling regulation in the country, is implementing this change as part of broader regulatory reforms that have been progressing through 2024 and 2025. The specific effective date for the increased minimum self-exclusion period is not directly stated, but indications suggest that stricter gambling limits and self-exclusion rules are being discussed and implemented around mid-2025.
The decision to increase the self-exclusion period is driven by growing concerns related to gambling addiction, particularly the shift to online gambling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new regulations are designed to protect vulnerable players and reduce gambling-related harm by increasing mandatory time limits for self-exclusion as a responsible gambling tool.
The new rule poses compliance demands and operational implications for gambling providers operating in Bulgaria. Operators must enforce longer self-exclusion periods, ensuring that players who choose or are mandated to self-exclude remain barred for extended durations. This may require system updates and stricter monitoring. Increased regulatory oversight, including more severe restrictions on advertising and betting limits, could impact player acquisition and revenue models. Providers may face operational challenges linked to compliance with the enhanced responsible gambling framework, including technical and administrative adjustments to meet new rules. There is a potential shift in industry dynamics, with some operators possibly exiting the market due to the tougher environment.
However, the National Center for Responsible Gaming in Bulgaria and international support groups provide resources for problem gamblers, indicating a systemic approach to combining regulation with player support. The list of excluded persons is not publicly accessible, ensuring privacy for those who choose to self-exclude.
The advertising ban on gambling providers does not apply to the television broadcasts of Bulgarian sports lotteries. During these broadcasts, advertising clips from online casinos and betting providers can still be shown. Under the draft bill, gambling provider posters can only be displayed at a minimum distance of 100 meters from schools and other educational institutions. Poster advertising is still allowed without restriction on the walls of stationary gaming halls.
Those who wish to be removed from the block list and participate in gambling again must file an application with the NRA. The application can be submitted in person at the NRA or online on the NRA website [Link in Bulgarian]. Previously, the minimum self-exclusion period was only 30 days. As of December 2022, self-exclusion from gambling has been possible in Bulgaria again.
Criticism exists concerning possible loopholes or the effectiveness of new regulations, implying ongoing debates about the sufficiency of the regulatory measures. Despite these concerns, the Bulgarian government remains committed to improving responsible gambling practices and reducing gambling-related harms in the country.
[1] Bulgarian News Agency [2] Sofia Globe [3] The Sofia Echo [4] Focus News Agency [5] Nova TV
Online casinos in Germany may consider the recent regulatory reforms in Bulgaria, as the country's National Revenue Agency (NRA) has increased the minimum self-exclusion period for casino-and-gambling activities. This change is part of a broader effort to promote responsible gambling practices and mitigate gambling-related harms in Bulgaria.
