Key Takeaways
- Bulgarian licence provides easy licensing, EU law compliance and low cost scalability for online gambling operations. licensed operators can reach Bulgarian players and expand throughout the European market under harmonized rules.
- Choose your correct licence type and know the difference between B2B supplier licensing vs B2C operator licences. Deal early with National Revenue Agency as they issue and monitor licences.
- Prove that you’re an EU or EEA legal entity with the requisite share capital and key staff vetted. Repare documentation such as financials, a business plan, an AML and responsible gambling policies, technical details, supplier agreements, proof of payment of fees and a bank guarantee, etc.
- Navigate a direct application track with specific deadlines and a comprehensive list of paperwork and documents. Get ready for system certification and an on-site audit by Bulgarian authorities.
- Plan for overall expenses of application fees, annual fees based on GGR or flat rates, and product taxes. Establish a compliance calendar for renewals, payments, and filings to avoid fines or suspension.
- Operational compliance – with player protection tools, strict identity verification, limits and clear support messages. Train staff on AML, track transactions, adhere to ad regulations, and explore trusted local partners or Bulgarian.llc for full support.
A gambling licence Bulgaria is the license that permits operators to provide betting and gaming activities under the Bulgarian Gambling Act. The NRA manages licensing since the previous State Commission on Gambling shut in 2020. Licenses encompass online and land-based products, consisting of sports betting, casinos, bingo and lotteries. They typically require a Bulgarian entity or EU/EEA branch, funds, fit-and-proper directors, and game/platform certified testing. Regulations necessitate AML/KYC measures compliant with EU regulations, safeguarding of player funds, visible odds and RTP, and self-exclusion functionalities. A lot of operators have servers or mirrors hosted in the EU/EEA for supervisory purposes. To establish scope and steps, the following sections describe costs, timelines, and compliance.
Why Choose Bulgaria?
Bulgaria provides iGaming brands with a strategic European Union foothold, where the regulatory environment is transparent, reasonable costs prevail, and a booming player market for online gambling services is easily accessible.
Accessible licensing policy for operators and suppliers
Bulgaria’s licensing regime is simple for B2C operators and B2B suppliers, especially under the gambling law established in 2012. A special regulator oversees applications, audits, and ongoing compliance, ensuring that gaming operators meet the necessary standards. The law defines clear categories for online casino, sports betting, poker, and lotteries, along with supplier approvals for platforms, RNGs, and live dealer studios. By rewarding evidence rather than subjective trials, the framework reduces guesswork and allows teams to schedule deadlines more effectively. For instance, a sportsbook might be able to apply in tandem with a platform provider’s approval, accelerating their launch. This robust structure keeps pace with international standards and tech innovation, enabling operators to implement state-of-the-art wallets and safer-gambling features seamlessly.
EU alignment that supports cross‑border operations
As an EU member state, Bulgaria aligns its rules with EU law, including AML directives, consumer protection, and GDPR, creating a robust legal framework for online gambling services. This compliance not only provides a strong foundation for doing business legally across the EU but also helps gaming operators recycle technical controls and policies, such as data privacy and player fund segregation, with only minor native modifications. Consequently, Bulgaria becomes an attractive base for b2b gambling licence holders to serve multiple EU clients efficiently.
Competitive licence fees and low operational costs
Licence fees are competitive and the corporate income tax is a flat 10%. Overall, the cost of running an online gambling business—staff, tech, office, and back-office services—tends to be lower than many Western European hubs. For a mid-size casino brand, this can translate to slimmer burn during the first 12–18 months while still satisfying audit, hosting, and reporting responsibilities. Lower costs enable B2B gambling operators to stage content releases and certification in a more predictable manner.
A growing, data‑rich iGaming market
Bulgaria’s iGaming market is projected to expand with a CAGR of over 4.8% through 2029, driven by the demand for regulated gambling offerings. With roughly 1 million active web players in the country, 52.5% of players are aged 25–34, and females account for approximately 40% of online stakes. The strong demand for regulated products, including slots, live casino, and in-play sports, positions Bulgaria as a low-risk market for both local and international companies. Additionally, the country’s location in Southeastern Europe within the EU enhances access to adjacent EU and non-EU markets, making it an appealing environment for gaming operators and providers seeking consistent expansion under a robust gaming law framework.
Navigating the Bulgarian Gambling Licence
Bulgarian gambling is regulated by the Bulgarian Gambling Act, initially enacted in 1998 and subsequently amended to encompass both land-based and online gambling services. The National Revenue Agency (NRA) issues and oversees gaming licences, ensuring compliance while enforcing AML and responsible gaming rules. Licences typically last five years, with annual licensing fees designed to balance industry expansion and regulation.
1. Licence Categories
Primary categories consist of online casino, sports betting, lottery, and B2B supplier licenses. B2C operators operate games to players, B2B suppliers provide the systems, RNGs, platforms or terminals that operators use.
The Class E licence is for remote (online) gambling operators and encompasses game types validated in the operator’s scope – for example, slots or tables games. It does not supersede individual permissions per game vertical, if the activity mix changes.
Activity licences are for running games whereas separate licences (or approvals) are required for gaming hardware/software, such as RNG certification, platform controls and live studio setups. A sports betting operator, for instance, requires the activity licence along with certification of the odds engine and risk tools.
Certain activities may be grouped in a single permission if the operator applies for a multi-vertical licence. Others need distinct licences or variations, such as when appending lottery or instant win to a current betting licence.
2. Applicant Eligibility
Applicants seeking an online gambling license are required to be a registered legal entity in the EU or EEA, with fit-and-proper directors and beneficial owners, without any criminal records and sanctions. Minimum paid-in share capital varies by vertical; for online betting, the floor is BGN 50,000 (approximately €25,600). Operators must verify the legal source of funds, appropriate business partners, and a governance structure in compliance with AML and responsible gambling regulations, such as self-exclusion and limits. The NRA anticipates strong internal controls, safe payments, data protection measures, and a transparent reporting chain. Post-licensing, operators must make an investment of no less than BGN 1 million (approximately €511,000) within a six-month period and maintain ongoing compliance with gambling laws. Licences generally last for five years, renewable, and are conditional on maintaining fit-and-proper status.
3. Required Documentation
Core files: company registration, constitutional documents, ultimate owner chart, recent financials, and a multi-year business plan with risk, staffing, and compliance budgets.
AML/CTF policies, KYC flows, transaction monitoring rules, and responsible gambling procedures such as affordability and intervention steps.
Technical specs for platform, RNG, wallet, data centers and cyber controls; third party lab certificates; incident response plan.
Supplier contracts (platform, PSPs, hosting, odds feeds), hardware / software inventory, proof of application fee and enforceable bank guarantee.
4. The Application Path
Begin with NRA account and pre-filing meeting, then file application, fees and bank guarantee. Deliver the full pack during the NRA’s established window, usually 30–60 days after launch. Brace yourself for completeness, substantive, and technical reviews. The process mirrors other EU regimes: fit-and-proper checks, systems testing, and policy walkthroughs. The NRA might ask for clarifications or additional materials — reply within given timelines, frequently 7–14 days. If granted conditional approval, undergo any corrective actions, then be issued the ultimate verdict.
Compile a checklist of forms, certificates, translations and lab reports. Schedule an on-site or remote system inspection and data-sampling test prior to go-live.
5. Common Pitfalls
Incomplete filings, missing translations, or expired certificates stall reviews and lead to re-submissions.
Come up short on share capital or can’t make the BGN 1 million post-licence investment, and you risk rejection or later sanctions.
Neglecting technical certification for RNGs, wallets, and player protection tools bogs down approvals and inflates expenses.
Ignoring fees and taxes is costly: budget for a one-time BGN 400,000 per annum plus 20% of the positive GGR difference for betting, lotto, bingo, keno, and similar games. Cash flow alignment early.
Financial Obligations Explained
The all-in cost of one-time license fees, annual licensing fees, taxes, paid-in capital, and required investment reflects high upfront cash needs, but the relatively light online gambling tax load eases the burden.
Application Fees
Betting operators owe a one-time BGN 400,000 (≈€200,000) to secure a licence, with online betting incurring a BGN 50,000 (≈€25,600) licensing charge. Application fees are non-refundable, even in the case of an NRA refusal.
By bank transfer in BGN to the NRA’s account with the reference number from filing Payment verification should be included with the dossier. The NRA doesn’t begin a review until funds clear.
Activity / Category | Fee (BGN) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Betting operator (one-time) | 400,000 | Pay to obtain a licence |
Online betting licence | 50,000 | Licensing fee; verify annualization with NRA notices |
Online gambling operators would need to have a paid-in share capital of at least BGN 1.5 million (≈€767,000). Factor this in as committed capital, not operating cash.
Licensed operators must invest BGN 1 million (≈€511,000) within 6 months of licensing. Schedule project milestones and vendor contracts to hit this clock.
Annual Dues
Annual licence fees are payable per licence type under NRA schedules, and for online gambling services, market practice considers the BGN 50,000 a recurring licence fee in most cases. Operators should verify the present NRA tariff at renewal, as dues are usually fixed per licence rather than pegged to GGR. Fees are payable annually, typically by the licence anniversary, and late payment attracts statutory interest, administrative penalties, and possible suspension until made good. It’s advisable to keep track of renewal dates with double reminders (such as 60 and 14 days). Compared with other EU markets, Bulgaria’s upfront BGN 400,000 is heavy; however, its ongoing fee level is mid-range, and the 10% corporate tax on online gambling profits is low by EU standards. Construct a compliance budget that includes audit reports, AML/KYC tooling, secure hosting, and quarterly filings, along with a buffer for fines associated with reporting delays or control failures.
Taxation Structure
Online gambling profit is taxed directly through corporate income tax at 10%. Some games are taxed at 15% of the taxable base, with the final tax withheld and paid by the communication service operator, if applicable. Make sure you differentiate taxes on GGR or participation fees from corporate tax on profit, and you apply the right base per product. File and pay by the 15th day of the month after the quarter; in others, the declaration and payment are due 7 days after the results are final.
Product/Service | Tax base | Rate | Filing cycle | Payer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Online gambling (operator profits) | Taxable profit (corporate) | 10% | Quarterly declarations | Licensed operator |
Certain games via communications | Basis per participation/GGR | 15% | Per event/periodic | Communication service operator |
Maintain monthly ledgers that track product to tax base and due date. This minimizes mistake potential and expedites audits.
Post-Licence Compliance
Operators are required to maintain full compliance with Bulgaria’s Gambling Act following the gaming licence. The NRA conducts audits, remote checks, and on-site inspections, and may order remedies, fines, suspend or revoke a b2b gambling licence. Think 5-year licence term, post-approval fees, 10% corporate tax on online gambling profits, and annual payments for socially responsible behavior. Within six months, invest a minimum of BGN 1 mln (c. €511,000). All service data — player IDs, bets, payouts — must be stored in Bulgaria.
- Key areas to monitor: player protection, AML, advertising, and technical standards
- NRA oversight: reporting duties, audits, corrective orders, and sanctions
- Risks: fines, suspension, or licence revocation for any breach
Player Protection
Provide responsible gaming tools to every Bulgarian player. Display spend history, cooling‑off, time‑outs and self‑exclusion. Prominently show help lines and support links in Bulgarian.
Utilize mandatory registration and identity verification prior to play. Confirm age, ID and where required, source of funds. Stores logs in secure servers in Bulgaria.
Establish strict deposit, loss and session time limits. Let players lower limits en masse, and raise only after a delay. Spot dangerous play behavior and reach out to players with customised alerts.
AML Protocols
Licensed organizers are obliged entities under Bulgarian MAMLA, which means they must adhere to strict gambling regulations. This includes maintaining a written AML policy, conducting risk scoring, and performing customer due diligence during onboarding and upon triggers. For instance, they should conduct improved screenings for high-risk profiles, PEPs, and intricate payment chains. Additionally, they must monitor accounts, block or freeze suspicious funds as necessary, and submit suspicious transaction reports to the Financial Intelligence Directorate. Staff training on red flags should occur at least annually, and KYC, transaction, and communication records must be maintained according to gaming law. These records should be kept in Bulgaria and shared quickly with authorities during probes.
Advertising Rules
Don’t aim at minors or the weak, and ensure your online gambling operator adheres to content and placement restrictions. Avoid hard sell advertising and glamorizing gambling activities, as these can violate gambling laws and lead to penalties, including fines or license revocation.
Include responsible gambling warnings, age marks, and support contacts on all ads to comply with the gaming law. Breaches can attract significant consequences, including suspension of your gaming licence or enforcement actions from the gambling authority.
The Bulgarian Advantage
Bulgaria offers a trusted EU jurisdiction with transparent regulations and consistent supervision, making it an attractive location for online gambling operators. All forms of gambling, both online and land-based, are legal under the 2012 Gambling Act, which paved the way for gaming licences for operators. Licensing is facilitated by the NRA, a body known for responsive case handling and transparent guidance. The market shows strong growth potential: sports betting is projected to grow about 20%, while online casino activities are expected to expand by 30% in the coming years.
Market Access
Bulgarian licence permits operators to lawfully offer players within the territory access to online casino, sportsbook, poker and bingo. It powers mobile-first titles and live dealer offerings, such as local-language lobbies.
Cross-border reach can be had within the EU where local regimes align with EU consumer, AML and data standards. A number of operators into Bulgaria also use it as a springboard into CEE, then localize content, payments and safer-gambling tools for each market.
Local links count. Licence owners can team up with Bulgarian casinos, betting shops and arcades to swap brand, payments and KYC expertise. It aids testing new segments, such as crash games, instant win or niche sports ahead of broader launch.
Regulatory Stability
The Gambling Act provides a stable legal framework compared to many European markets that frequently alter their regulations. The NRA consistently implements and publishes decisions while maintaining structured processes for licensing, including the issuance of a five or ten-year online gambling license. This predictability in licensing fees, including a one-time fee of approximately €204,500 for a five-year gaming licence, allows operators to engage in long-term planning for platform updates and safer-gambling initiatives. Moreover, the annual licensing fee and social responsibility contributions create a balanced system that minimizes compliance challenges, enabling teams to manage content and data work effectively with fewer surprises in the gambling industry.
Operational Costs
Costs a fraction of many Western European hubs. Bulgaria offers a flat 10% corporate tax and attractive annual licence fees. Office rent, utilities and local staffing are cheap too, so the compliance and payments and customer support can be run in-country without heavy overhead.
Savings can go into user growth and product. Teams can bankroll responsible gaming tools, richer live odds, more game suppliers or localized UX, which can boost margins and LTV.
Your Path to Licensing
This path maps out the key practical steps — timelines and rules — you need to fulfill to obtain a Bulgarian gambling license and ensure compliance with gambling regulations post-launch.
Leverage Bugarska.net’s expertise to streamline your gambling licence application process.
Bugarian.llc maps out your end-to-end journey – from selecting your license type – sports betting, casino, or lottery games – to aligning your timelines with regulator milestones. Anticipate straightforward advice on your 60–90 day review and government review fees (approximately EUR 5,000 to EUR 20,000 depending on scope). They bring your roadmap in line with the gambling law, which offers a standard five-year term for online gambling licenses and potential five/10-year terms for other gambling games. They scape state fees associated with activity types, so budgets remain precise from the beginning.
Receive tailored guidance on meeting all Bulgarian licensing requirements and documentation.
To operate legally, you are required to have a minimum BGN 1 million (circa EUR 767,000) in paid-in share capital. Bulgarian.llc drafts the corporate file, beneficial ownership information, and AML/CTF policies for compliance with gambling law. Your game software—and every update—must receive approval from the National Revenue Agency (NRA), as they create the testing matrix and schedule lab work to ensure your build meets the specifications for an online gambling licence prior to submission. They also align your internal controls with Bulgarian benchmarks for player protection and secure funds handling.
Access ongoing support for compliance, reporting, and licence renewals.
Your main computer must register and authenticate players while linking to NRA servers to provide real-time information on games played, bets made, and prizes paid. Additionally, you need a replication server in Bulgaria that submits concurrent sessions, stakes, and payouts per player to the NRA, ensuring compliance with the online gambling licence requirements. Bulgaria.llc establishes these data flows, maintains reporting cadence, and generates renewal files for the five-year licence period, including change-management logs for software updates.
Benefit from connections to trusted local partners, gaming software providers, and legal entities.
If you’re transferring EUR 10,000 or more to or from non-EU countries, you need a Bulgarian-licensed bank that complies with gambling law. Bulgarian.llc connects you to software vendors with existing online gambling licenses, data centers for your Bulgarian mirror server, and attorneys for contracts, responsible gaming terms, and multi-license portfolios across various gambling activities.
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Conclusion
Bulgaria offers a clear road for lawful gambling. Guidelines remain transparent. Fees remain announced. The NRA manages things with an efficiency. That assists in budgeting costs and time. Bigger teams can grow rapidly. Kiosks can begin slim.
Real victories manifest themselves in day-one accomplishments. A slots studio files a full game list, RTP logs, test runs with lab. A sportsbook maps live feeds, lev limits and risky bets in real-time. Kazino site launches KYC in Bulgarian, keeps logs in EU, establishes a clear play break rule.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates gambling licensing in Bulgaria?
The National Revenue Agency (NRA) is responsible for enforcing gambling laws and overseeing both remote (online) gambling operators and land-based establishments under the Bulgarian Gambling Act, ensuring compliance with technical and AML standards.
What are the main steps to get a Bulgarian gambling licence?
- Confirm eligibility (EU/EEA or local entity/branch)
- Incorporate and appoint key personnel
- Prepare policies (AML, RG, security)
- Certify platforms and RNG
- Submit application and fees to the NRA
- Complete audits and technical integration
- Receive approval and launch
What financial obligations should I expect?
Anticipate application and gaming licence fees, ongoing supervision fees, tax on gaming revenue, and a financial guarantee. Other expenses that come into play include platform certification, audits, payment integrations, and compliance operations, which are crucial for a regulated gambling environment.
How long does the licensing process take?
Timelines differ based on finalization and technical preparedness for obtaining a gaming licence. With solid paperwork and approved platforms, it can take a few months for licensees to complete the process.
Do I need a Bulgarian company to apply?
You may apply for an online gambling license via a Bulgarian company or an EU/EEA (or equivalent) company with a registered Bulgarian branch, as local licensing often requires presence, bank accounts, and responsible persons in Bulgaria.
What are the key post-licence compliance duties?
AML/KYC controls, responsible gambling tools, and technical certifications are essential for online gambling operators to ensure compliance with gambling laws. Regular audits and systems monitoring help maintain data security and player fund safeguards.
Why choose Bulgaria for online gambling operations?
Bulgaria provides an EU-regulated framework for online gambling services, competitive costs, skilled talent, and transparent licensing routes, enabling operators to enjoy market credibility and strong oversight.
Daniel Malbašić is a business expert with extensive experience in the field of business consulting, organization and business optimization. His expertise includes market analysis, strategic planning, and implementation of effective business solutions. Daniel is dedicated to helping companies grow and improve their operations, providing them with comprehensive support in making key business decisions.
