Reforms propose privatisation of Bulgaria’s state lottery and sports betting concession
The draft proposal would pave the way for a tender to run the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator’s monopoly for at least 15 years.
Bulgaria.- Members of Bulgaria’s ruling majority have presented proposed legislative amendments that would pave the way for the privatisation of the state lottery and sports betting operation. The proposal, submitted to the chairs of the Budget and Finance Committee and the National Assembly on Monday, seeks to establish a long-term concession for the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator (BST).
Kostadin Angelov (GERB), Dragomir Stoynev (BSP), and Yordan Tsonev (DPS–New Beginning) have proposed amendments to the Gambling Act through transitional and final provisions of the State Budget Law. If adopted, the measure would mark a major restructuring of Bulgaria’s gambling landscape, putting the state-run monopoly into private hands. The measure is scheduled for a second reading on Friday (November 28).
Supporters of the plan argue that the BST, despite holding a monopoly since 2020, has consistently generated lower revenues than private operators did before the market was restructured. Data suggests low channelisation to the state operation, while revenue targets have repeatedly been missed, prompting the calls for privatisation through a concession model.
In 2023, the BST generated BGN 170.034m (€86.8m) compared to a target of BGN 190m (€96.9m). In 2024, the target was BGN 188.701 million (€96.3m), but revenue was BGN 182.640m (€93.2m).
Proposed framework for Bulgarian Sports Totalizator tender
Under the proposed framework, a public call for proposals for Bulgaria’s national lottery and sports betting concession would be issued by March 31, 2026. Only Bulgarian-registered companies or foreign firms with a physical presence in Bulgaria would be allowed to apply to run the Sports Totalizator, and the concession would be granted for at least 15 years.
The winning operator would gain full control over BST’s betting outlets, systems, equipment, intellectual property, and valuable samples. Oversight of the concession would fall to the Minister of Youth and Sports, who would be responsible for awarding and monitoring the contract.
Once the concession takes effect, BST itself would cease running gambling, and all existing tickets, slips, and coupons would be invalidated and destroyed.
As for the financial arrangements, some 10 per cent of the concessionaire’s corporate tax payments would be directed to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, with one-tenth of that sum earmarked for the National Culture Fund. Meanwhile, 30 per cent of the concession fee would be distributed to sports clubs and federations.
The proposal has caused controversy, particularly because BST was only nationalised relatively recently after the state revoked licences belonging to businessman Vasil Bozhkov. That incident also saw allegations that members of the former State Commission on Gambling had accepted bribes. In 2020, the responsibility for gambling regulation was passed to the Bulgarian Revenue Agency.
Advocates for reforms argue that the BST lacks the financial strength and expertise to compete with private online operators. However, opponents, including Ivaylo Mirchev of Yes, Bulgaria (part of WCC–DB), claim the move is politically driven and designed to benefit DPS–New Beginning and figures linked to Delyan Peevski.
Mirchev highlighted that Peevski’s mother, Irena Krasteva, previously headed BST between 2002 and 2005, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. Efforts to establish a parliamentary commission to investigate the matter were reportedly blocked by GERB MPs.
