Bulgaria: gambling commission officials taken for questioning

The head of the State Commission on Gambling from Bulgaria has been taken for questioning in regards to lottery fees.

Bulgaria.- The head of the State Commission on Gambling along with the head of control of the State Commission on Gambling and more than 10 officials have been interrogated by officials of the Special Prosecutor’s Office and Ministry of Interior.

According to Bulgarian National Television (BNT), this is the second time that the officials from Bulgaria have been taken for questioning in two weeks. They also seized documents regarding how lottery fees are calculated.

BNT also reported that the head of control at the State Commission on Gambling said that he would assist the prosecution on this case and that he was not worried about being questioned multiple times.

Parliament adopts new amendments to Gambling Act

The Parliament of Bulgaria also adopted on Wednesday at first reading amendments to the Gambling Act. These changes modify the state monopoly on lottery games. Bulgaria is seeking a gambling monopoly, instead of nationalising existing companies. This move would bring extra revenue and support to the Bulgarian sport sector.

The Bulgarian National Lottery claimed in a statement that the nationalisation of private business is an unacceptable precedent that will lead to irreversible consequences for the state, legislative and executive branches.