Bulgaria proposes licences and levy for gambling affiliates
The government aims to use a new two-part levy on gambling affiliates to plug a budget deficit.
Bulgaria.- The long-delayed 2026 budget is finally moving to Bulgaria’s National Assembly for final approval, and there are new rules targeting gambling affiliates in the package.
The budget projects a deficit of 5.7 per cent, roughly €7.2bn, with revenues of €49.5bn against expenditure of €56.8bn. To bolster finances, lawmakers are proposing a licensing regime for gambling affiliates tied to regulated operators.
Affiliates would also face a two-part levy intended to increase tax revenues and prevent tax evasion. The measure includes a fixed €6,000 annual tax and a 10 per cent variable tax on commissions from activities promoting gambling. Officials estimate the changes could add €100m in annual tax revenue.
The delay stemmed from a lack of political authority under a previous caretaker government before Rumen Radev secured a majority in snap elections in April. Meanwhile, Alexander Popov has left his role as the director for gambling policy and the National Revenue Agency (NRA). There have been media reports suggesting that Ginka Panaretova may be his replacement, which could prove a controversial choice due to her previous work with gambling operator Inbet.
The budget debate also coincides with growing tensions over gambling advertising, which was banned on TV, radio and some public spaces in 2024. Critics recently accused Bulgarian National Television (BNT) of airing gambling-related promotions during FIFA World Cup broadcasts. BNT insisted that it complies with regulations and that the clips shown were linked to sponsorships rather than direct gambling inducements.
The National Children’s Network has now urged lawmakers to tighten restrictions further, calling for bans on product placements and the use of gambling trademarks in sports competitions.
