Bulgaria Moves Toward Major Lottery and Betting Overhaul

Bulgaria is closing in on a sweeping overhaul of its gambling industry, with lawmakers backing a proposal that would hand the country’s state-run lottery and sports betting operation to a private concessionaire for at least 15 years. The initiative, which targets the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator, advanced rapidly through parliament this week and is set for a decisive second vote on 28 November.

If approved, it would represent the most dramatic reset of Bulgaria’s betting system since the state assumed control in 2020.

A state system losing ground

Lawmakers supporting the move argue that the current monopoly model is underdelivering and failing to keep players within regulated channels.

The Bulgarian Sports Totalizator has fallen short of its annual revenue plan for two consecutive years posting BGN 170m instead of BGN 190m in 2023 and BGN 182.6m against a target of BGN 188.7m in 2024. Market observers say private operators, including offshore brands, continue to capture a substantial share of local demand.

Proponents view a concession as a way to inject modern technology, operational expertise and investment that a state operator has struggled to match.

What the concession model would entail

The proposed amendments introduce a defined timetable and strict entry criteria.

A public tender must be launched no later than 31 March 2026. Only Bulgarian-registered companies or international operators with a physical presence in the country may participate. The winning bidder would assume control of all Totalizator assets retail outlets, digital systems, equipment and intellectual property.

The shift would be absolute: once the concession takes effect, the state operator must withdraw from the gambling market entirely. All existing lottery tickets and betting slips would be cancelled and destroyed.

Oversight responsibilities would fall to the Minister of Youth and Sports. The financial model also changes, dedicating 10% of the concessionaire’s corporate tax to the ministry, with a portion earmarked for the National Culture Fund, while 30% of the concession fee would support sports federations and clubs.

Political friction intensifies

The reform is drawing criticism from opposition parties, who argue the timing and structure could benefit politically connected groups.

Some MPs have pointed to potential links with DPS–New Beginning and networks around businessman and politician Delyan Peevski. One opposition lawmaker, Ivaylo Mirchev, noted that Peevski’s mother previously ran the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator, raising concerns about transparency and influence.

Repeated attempts to form a parliamentary committee to review the amendments in depth have so far been blocked.

A regulatory shift with long-term consequences

If the measure is approved on Friday, Bulgaria will abandon the fully state-controlled model it adopted in 2020 following the collapse of Vasil Bozhkov’s gambling empire and allegations of misconduct involving former regulators.

A private concessionaire would take over the country’s most important lottery and sports betting products, setting the direction of Bulgaria’s gambling market for at least the next decade and potentially much longer.