Bulgaria Targets Gambling Sector in 2026 Budget

Bulgaria’s government is pressing ahead with its long-awaited 2026 state budget and the gambling industry is expected to play a larger role in boosting public revenue through new tax measures and regulatory reforms.

Following months of political uncertainty under a caretaker administration, the country now has a functioning government after the April snap election, allowing the proposed budget to move forward for consideration by the National Assembly.

The financial plan forecasts a 5.7% budget deficit, with projected revenues of €49.5 billion against planned spending of €56.8 billion. Among the proposals is a new framework aimed at gambling affiliates working with licensed betting operators.

Affiliate Licensing and New Taxes Proposed

Under the draft measures, gambling affiliates would be required to obtain a licence before operating.

The proposal also introduces a dual taxation system that includes an annual fixed fee of €6,000 together with a 10% tax on commission income generated from measurable gambling-related promotional activity.

Officials estimate that the wider gambling sector could contribute an additional €100 million in annual tax revenue if the measures are approved.

Advertising Rules Remain Under Scrutiny

The proposed budget arrives while gambling advertising continues to generate debate across Bulgaria.

Recent criticism has focused on Bulgarian National Television (BNT) after betting-related content appeared during broadcasts of the FIFA World Cup.

Campaign groups argued the material conflicted with legislation introduced in 2024, which prohibited gambling advertising intended to encourage betting through television, radio and certain public spaces.

BNT rejected the claims, stating that the content related to sponsorship agreements and franchise opportunities rather than direct gambling promotion. The broadcaster also noted that some football competitions and FIFA partnerships include betting sponsors as part of existing commercial arrangements.

The discussion has prompted further calls for tighter restrictions. The National Children’s Network has urged lawmakers to prohibit gambling product placement and prevent betting companies from appearing in the names of sporting competitions, arguing that children's exposure to gambling-related branding should be reduced.

Regulatory Leadership Under Attention

The country's gambling regulator is also undergoing changes.

The National Revenue Agency (NRA) confirmed that Alexander Popov stepped down as Director of Gambling Policy in June, leading to speculation about his replacement.

Reports have linked Ginka Panaretova, formerly legal counsel for gambling company Inbet, to the position, although the NRA has not confirmed any appointment. The agency said its primary focus remains tax collection, tackling corruption and reducing activity in the shadow economy, adding that any management decisions will be announced officially.

Bulgarian Link Appears in Romanian Investigation

Bulgaria’s gambling industry has also attracted attention outside the country following an anti-corruption investigation in neighbouring Romania.

Romania’s National Anti-Corruption Directorate opened an investigation in June that resulted in the detention of two individuals, including a Bulgarian national accused of involvement in alleged bribery connected to officials from Romania’s National Gambling Authority.

Romanian media reported that courts approved 30-day detention orders for the suspects. One of those detained is identified as a Bulgarian citizen, while the second is Odeta Kristanela Nestor, the former head of Romania’s gambling regulator and current president of the Association of Remote Gambling Operators.

Prosecutors allege that a payment of €100,000 was arranged in April 2026 for an official within Romania’s gambling authority as part of an investigation into suspected money-laundering issues involving an unnamed gambling operator. Several Romanian media outlets have suggested the company involved may have Bulgarian connections.