Bulgaria is situated in the southeastern region of the Balkan Peninsula in the southeastern part of Europe and shares its borders with Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, and the Black Sea to the east. Sports betting has become quite popular in the recent past and thus it is quite thrilling to look at the Bulgarian scene. This article is your one-stop guide to understanding the Bulgarian gambling industry, from sports betting platforms to the current governing laws to the top betting sites in Bulgaria currently operating.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
The History of Gambling in Bulgaria
Gambling in Bulgaria has been a reportable activity for a long time going back to the 19th century. At first, it was characterized by criminal activities as well as corruption. Nevertheless, progress has been made on the years with an aim of legalizing and or controlling it.
- 1957: According to the changes of the law, Bulgarian Sports Totalizator was created, legalizing the lottery, sports betting, and bingo.
- 1979: The first casino was Vitosha and it only admitted tourists only.
- 1993: Signified the starting of the modern gambling legislation, opening of casinos to locals and the starting of anti-money laundering laws.
- 2008: The legalization of online betting was begun.
- 2012: The Gambling Act of 2012 governed the provision of both the physical and the virtual gambling services.
- 2021: This function was assumed by the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency becoming the new regulator instead of the State Commission on Gambling.
- 2024: The advertisement of gambling was practically prohibited with the exception of outdoor advertising, social networks and some sports facilities.
Regulatory of Betting sites in Bulgaria
The regulation of the gambling business in Bulgaria is performed by the National Revenue Agency. This agency deals with the licensing, non-issuance, cancellation, and withdrawal of licenses for gambling activities. They also enforce compliance through inspections from time to time.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
As for Bulgaria, it is rather liberal regarding gambling; however, there are some rules the legislation has established.
Permitted:
- Lottery games
- Sports betting
- Casino games
- Online gambling
Prohibited:
- Gambling involving minors
- Unauthorized gambling activities
Gambling Licenses and Fees
The procedure for getting a gambling license in Bulgaria is accompanied by certain costs and taxes.
- One-time Licensing Fee: Approximately €50,000
- Tax on Turnover: This means that of the total money that the casino earns from the gaming activities, 20 percent will be paid out as winnings.
- Land-Based Casino Taxes:
- According to these terms, the casino is to retain an amount of 15% of the total bets made by the players.
- Charges for every gaming equipment.
An Insight on Betting Sites in Bulgaria
Below are some of the best betting sites in Bulgaria if you are a beginner in sports betting.
1xbet:
1xBet
Extensive sports markets
Competitive odds
Live streaming servicesUp To £100
Betandyou:
Betandyou
Established since 2010
Excellent customer support
Attractive promotionsUp To £120 + £30 Free Bets
Melbet:
Melbet
This therefore means that the sports markets are diverse and they include the following; esports.
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Milestone Events in Sports
Bulgaria has undoubtedly gone through many significant events that have influenced the course of the sports development.
- 1994: FIFA World Cup semi-finals: Bulgarian national football team.
- 2007: Bulgaria was the host country of the Volleyball World Cup.
- 2010: Grigor Dimitrov also came to the limelight in tennis.
- 2018: Bulgaria got several wrestling medals in the European Championships.
- 2021: The Bulgarian national basketball team is going to the EuroBasket Championship.
Sports Star Glory
Bulgaria has been also a home to many sportsmen and women who have made their country proud on the international level.
Hristo Stoichkov:
- European Golden Boot winner
- FIFA World Cup semi-finalist
Grigor Dimitrov:
- Highest singles ATP ranking of the player is number 3.
- Has been crowned the winner in 11 ATP singles titles
Stanka Zlateva:
- An American freestyle wrestler, Olympic gold medalist
Ivet Lalova:
- Gold medalist of the games in athletics.
Laws and Regulatory Bodies of Gambling in Neighboring Countries
Neighboring Countries Gambling Laws
Romania:
- The activities related to gambling are regulated by the National Gambling Office.
- Gambling online became legal in the year 2015.
- The taxes to be paid on the revenues generated from gambling are 16%.
Serbia:
- The regulation of gambling is done by Games of Chance Administration.
- Online gambling was previously banned but was legalized in 2011.
- It is charged at 10% of the gross gaming revenue and is paid by operators.
North Macedonia:
- Gambling is under the regulation of the Ministry of Finance.
- Gambling online was made legal in the year 2013.
- A 20% tax on the gross gaming revenue is charged from operators.
Conclusion
Bulgaria’s betting scene is a colorful canvas of historical background, norms and laws, and business prospects. It is for this reason that comprehending the specifics of the gambling laws, the function of the regulatory authorities, and the various betting sites will go a long way in improving your betting experience. If you have been betting for years or you are new to the process, this ultimate guide will be your one-stop shop when it comes to Bulgarian betting.
FAQ: Betting Sites in Bulgaria
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