Entering the Bulgarian iGaming market can be a lucrative opportunity for online casino operators. Bulgaria offers a stable regulatory framework, reasonable taxes, and a growing base of enthusiastic players.
This detailed guide will walk you through the legal requirements and licensing process, player preferences, marketing strategies, and the key risks and opportunities to consider when starting an iGaming business in Bulgaria.
Key Considerations
- Bulgaria has a clear, EU-aligned legal framework for online gambling.
- A 20% GGR tax and 15% corporate tax create a favourable fiscal climate.
- Licensing is open to companies in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland (hereafter referred to as EU/EEA/Swiss); no need for a local partner.
- Sports betting and slots dominate player preferences.
- Local payment options like EasyPay and ePay are essential.
- Advertising is heavily restricted – affiliate marketing and SEO are key.
- Significant upfront investment and strict compliance are required.
Pro Tip: Whether developed internally or externally, platforms must be secure, compliant, and localised: hosting must be EU-based, technical systems must connect to local regulators, and features like responsible gambling tools and BGN (Bulgarian Lev, local currency) support should be in place from launch.
Why Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has emerged as one of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic and attractive iGaming markets. All forms of gambling – including online casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, and lotteries – are legal in Bulgaria under a clear regulatory framework. This openness, combined with Bulgaria’s low corporate tax rate (15%) and EU membership, makes it attractive for casino operators.
Why Open an Online Casino in Bulgaria?
| EU/EEA Integration | As an EU member, Bulgaria allows any operator registered in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland to obtain a licence, which eases market entry for European operators. |
| Favourable Taxes | Gambling tax is levied on gross revenue at 20% of GGR (bets minus payouts), and corporate profits are taxed at 15%. |
| Growing Player Base | User penetration in the market is expected to reach 24.6% by the end of 2025, and combined gambling revenue is projected to reach EUR 768.42m by 2029. |
Bulgaria is often cited for its competitive costs and regulatory accessibility, and rightly so. But those surface-level advantages don’t explain its deeper strategic relevance. What truly defines the jurisdiction is its mature architecture: structured and scalable yet not overregulated to the point of rigidity. Licensing here is embedded within a broader legal and financial framework that functions cohesively across tax, AML, payments, and regulatory oversight.
That system is on the cusp of further integration. With euro adoption planned for 2026, Bulgaria moves toward full monetary alignment with the Eurozone. The expected implications are tangible: reduced currency friction, simplified capital structuring, and more fluid cross-border treasury movement. For businesses with multi-jurisdictional setups – across Europe and beyond – this alignment reduces internal financial noise, allowing for cleaner execution and stronger margin control at scale.
Paired with a pragmatic regulatory posture and a digitally fluent user base, Bulgaria becomes what few local jurisdictions manage to achieve: strategically neutral, operationally coherent, and structurally aligned with long-term value creation for both players and operators.
Player Preferences
Sports betting is hugely popular in Bulgaria, with local bettors passionate about football wagering, whether on local league matches or major international tournaments. Given this cultural enthusiasm and the fact that the vertical generates roughly a third of total online gambling revenue, any operator entering Bulgaria should seriously consider offering a sportsbook, if not immediately, then as a future expansion.
Online slots are extremely popular. Bulgarian players have a penchant for classic slot themes and jackpot features – games that evoke the vibe of traditional slot machines are top performers.
Operators routinely offer attractive bonuses to acquire and retain players. First deposit match bonuses, free spins, and loyalty programs are standard. These can be an effective way to entice registrations and drive player engagement.
Lotteries and bingo are popular nationally, but online lotteries are not allowed for operators, as they fall under a state monopoly administered exclusively by the Bulgarian Sports Totalisator (BST).
In terms of game providers, Bulgaria has some home-grown favourites. The content from Amusnet (Euro Games Technology), a Bulgarian slots developer, is extremely well-known locally. Amusnet’s fruity slots and jackpot cards feature are staples in both land-based and online casinos.
Similarly, CT Gaming (another Bulgarian provider, formerly Casino Technology) has a classic library that many Bulgarian players recognise. Integrating a mix of Bulgarian-founded studios alongside global hits will give any online casino a boost of credibility and familiarity, helping players feel both at home and confident in the quality of the platform.
A great user experience starts with understanding your audience, and in Bulgaria, that means going local. Players expect a mobile-friendly site that loads quickly and works flawlessly on any device. They also expect to interact in their own language. Even when users understand English, they engage more confidently when instructions, terms, and problem resolution happen in their own language. It lowers the cognitive load, reduces dropout at conversion points, and builds trust during support interactions.
Bulgaria’s Gambling Laws and Regulations Explained
The main law that governs gambling in Bulgaria is the Gambling Act of 2012. It doesn’t separate online gambling from land-based. The law defines online gambling broadly: any game where players bet via the internet or similar electronic channels falls under this umbrella.
There are additional regulations and amendments that cover areas like advertising restrictions, anti-money laundering (AML), and player safety. One important update came in 2021, when the government confirmed that online lotteries are a state monopoly. In other words, private operators can’t offer standard online lottery draws.
Today, the industry is overseen by the National Revenue Agency (NRA), which replaced the former State Gambling Commission in 2020. The NRA handles everything from licence applications to software certification, compliance monitoring, and tax collection.
How to Get an Online Casino Licence in Bulgaria: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Meet the Eligibility Prerequisites
Corporate Entity
The applicant must be a registered company in Bulgaria, another EU/EEA country, or Switzerland. For example, a Maltese or Irish iGaming company is eligible, whereas a Gibraltar or US company would need to establish an EU or local entity.
Minimum Capital
The company must have at least BGN 1,500,000 (approximately EUR 767,000) in paid-up share capital. This capital requirement must be fully met and verified through corporate documents.
Reliability
Both the company and its owners/directors must have a clean compliance record. The NRA will reject applicants who have had a gambling licence revoked in the past or whose key persons have criminal convictions or regulatory breaches.
Data Location
Bulgaria does not insist that the servers be on its soil, but the law mandates that both the Central Computer System (CCS) and the Local Control Server (LCS) must be hosted within the EU, EEA or Switzerland. Importantly, the LCS must mirror all gaming activity from the CCS in real time, including bets, wins, jackpots, and session data, and serve as a backup feed to the Bulgarian regulator in case of connection loss.
In practice, many operators choose to host in Bulgaria or nearby EU data centres to minimise latency and simplify regulatory oversight.
Bank Account
You need a dedicated bank account with a bank operating in Bulgaria for handling players’ deposits and payouts. This ensures all betting transactions go through a regulated financial institution that the NRA can interface with.
Acessibility
The Bulgarian regulator requires a direct data feed of all gaming activities – wagers placed, wins paid, jackpots hit, etc., to monitor compliance and calculate taxes. Most modern iGaming platforms can implement this secure API connection or reporting protocol.
Pro Tip: At this preparatory stage, it is wise to consult with a Bulgarian gaming attorney or consultancy service. They can provide the latest legal updates, help verify that your corporate structure and documents (e.g. incorporation certificates, board resolutions, financial statements) are in order, and that your platform meets the technical criteria.
2. Prepare Documentation
Applying for an online casino licence in Bulgaria involves substantial paperwork.
You will need to compile a comprehensive application dossier, including but not limited to:
Corporate Documents
Certificate of incorporation, articles of association, shareholder registry, proof of paid-up capital (auditor statement or bank letter), and the application forms provided by the NRA filled out. All documents not originally in Bulgarian must be officially translated and notarised.
Identity and Good Standing
Passports and CVs of directors and shareholders, police clearance certificates (no criminal record proof), affidavits of no prior Gambling Act violations, and a declaration of ultimate beneficial owners (UBO).
Financial Statements
Recent audited financials or proof of funds to sustain the business. The NRA will want to see that you are financially solvent and can maintain the required capital and investment.
Business Plan
A high-level plan describing the gambling products you willl offer (casino, sportsbook, etc.), target markets (e.g. Bulgarian players or broader), and projected financials. This should also include details of the initial investment of BGN 1m and how a company plans to utilise it.
Game Rules and Terms
An operator must submit the rules of the games or betting products offered and the Terms and Conditions for players.
Internal Controls and Procedures
Documents outlining your policies on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, responsible gambling measures, data security policy, and systems for player registration and identification. The software platform used must prove to have mechanisms for age verification (ensuring all players are 18+), self-exclusion, and setting betting limits, as required by Bulgarian responsible gambling rules.
Technical Specifications
This step is for creating documentation of the gaming software platform, including descriptions of the hardware and network architecture, certification reports, and details on how your system will connect to the NRA’s monitoring system. If you use third-party game providers or payment providers, include those integration details and certificates.
Payment and Banking Info
A letter from a bank that operates in Bulgaria confirming the dedicated account, along with information on payment methods offered for deposits/withdrawals.
3. Submit Application
With all documentation ready, the next step is to file the licence application with the National Revenue Agency’s Gambling Department.
The NRA charges an application review fee, which varies by gaming vertical: on the lower end (EUR 5k) for simpler products and higher (~ EUR 20k) if the application is for multiple gaming types (casino and sportsbook, for instance)
The standard time for the NRA to review an online gambling licence application is 60 to 90 days, but in practice, it often takes around 2 to 3 months.
During this period, the regulator will evaluate all documents, possibly request additional information, and assess the technical setup. They may ask questions or clarification, for instance, about a specific game’s fairness certificate or about a director’s background.
If your application is approved, congratulations – you will receive a formal decision from the NRA granting the licence to operate an online casino in Bulgaria. At this point, additional issuance fees must be paid: online operators must pay BGN 400,000 (ca. EUR 200,000) per year to maintain the licence.
Post-Licensing Steps
Upon obtaining the licence, a few immediate steps are required before launching operations:
Begin Operations within 6 Months
If an online casino is not operational within 6 months, its Bulgarian gambling licence could be subject to review. This is why most operators plan their platform launch to coincide with or shortly follow licence approval.
Fulfil Investment Obligation
All records of expenditures on technology, office lease, marketing, staff hires, etc., must be kept to show the NRA that a BGN 1,000,000 (~EUR 511,000) capital injection has been made, as the NRA may ask for evidence or an audit report.
Connecting Systems to the Regulator
Before going live, a technical link that connects the platform's central server to the NRA’s information system must be established. This is a critical compliance step to complete prior to launch.
Final Testing
The NRA might conduct a final inspection or ask for a test run of the games. Once everything is green-lit, iGaming operators can officially launch an online casino site for Bulgarian players.
The Bulgarian online casino licence will typically be valid for 5 years. Renewal is possible by reapplying before expiry and demonstrating continued compliance.
Tech Requirements
Launching a successful online casino in Bulgaria isn’t only about paperwork, but also about choosing the right platform and technical infrastructure that meets regulatory standards and player expectations.
Under Article 20 of Bulgaria’s Gambling Act, all iGaming software must be tested and certified by an accredited testing body (e.g. GLI, Gaming Associates, eCOGRA) before launch. This includes casino games, the sportsbook engine when applicable, and the overall platform managing player accounts and bets. Every new module or version, including updates, may require separate registration.
Choosing a platform that is modular and well-documented will streamline these approvals. Such platforms also come with built-in features like age verification, geo-blocking (to exclude unlicensed jurisdictions), and responsible gambling tools required by law.
Payment Systems
On the player side, offering popular and convenient payment methods plays an important role in establishing a successful iGaming business in Bulgaria. Aside from standard credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), players strongly favour local payment solutions:
Popular Payment Systems in Bulgaria
| EasyPay | A network of physical cash payment kiosks where players can deposit cash and have it instantly credited to their online casino balance. This unique cash-to-digital bridge is very popular among users who prefer cash or don’t have credit cards. |
| ePay.bg | A Bulgarian e-wallet service that allows users to top up online accounts via bank transfer, cards, or cash in ATMs. It’s extremely popular for online casino deposits and withdrawals, as it’s fast and tailored to local banks. |
| A1 Wallet | A wallet and SMS payment service that some casinos integrate for deposits. |
Mobile payment solutions account for up to 80% of digital transactions in Bulgaria, highlighting the importance of offering mobile-friendly payment methods.
In addition, international e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller are commonly supported on Bulgarian iGaming sites.
Note that the use of cryptocurrencies in Bulgaria remains limited and is subject to evolving regulations. Online casino operators should factor this into their planning. The chosen payment gateway must support all relevant payment methods and offer currency conversion when necessary.
AML, KYC & Responsible Gambling Compliance in Bulgaria
Compliance is a non-negotiable requirement for anyone setting up an online casino in Bulgaria. Players’ identities and age must be verified. This ensures no minors or self-excluded individuals are gambling, and it’s also required under AML laws that require monitoring for unusual betting patterns, large transactions, or suspicious behaviour. Internal procedures to flag and report any suspicious transactions to the authorities should be implemented.
Bulgarian regulations mandate a range of player protection measures. Any Bulgarian-licensed online casino must offer self-exclusion options, betting limits, and loss limits and prominently display messages about responsible play and gambling addiction help.
As online business owners handling personal data, operators must comply with the EU’s GDPR and Bulgarian data protection laws: online casinos must secure user data and have an accessible privacy policy in place.
Assembling the Best Platform
Most operators do not develop their own software and prefer to partner with reputable turnkey software platform providers already established in regulated markets, such as SOFTSWISS, which offers a full end-to-end software ecosystem for iGaming that is already compliant with Bulgarian requirements. This modular infrastructure offers a range of highly customisable products, such as sportsbook and jackpot integration, affiliate management software, and multi-currency payment solutions, each designed for compliance with NRA oversight and easy localisation for Bulgarian users.
The best online casino software providers also offer essential components like AML/KYC compliance, localised payment integrations, extensive game libraries, and excellent player protection tools, all of which can significantly shorten your go-to-market timeline.
A strong online casino and sportsbook platform will not only satisfy regulators’ requests but also provide Bulgarian players with the seamless, trustworthy experience they expect.
Casino Marketing in Bulgaria: SEO, Affiliates & Ad Bans
Marketing an online casino in Bulgaria comes with its own set of hurdles and opportunities: in April 2024, the Bulgarian Parliament passed amendments banning all forms of gambling advertising in traditional media – this includes TV, radio, print, and most online advertising channels. Sports sponsorships are still partially allowed: supporting a team or esports tournament could still get iGaming brands some exposure, but not without a few legal guardrails.
Since direct advertising is curtailed, content marketing and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) take on a central role. Informative content about games, betting tips, and how-to-play guides will help the website rank organically while offering true value to players. Make sure all content is in Bulgarian for maximum reach.
Affiliate marketing remains a powerful acquisition channel in regulated markets, and it can operate somewhat outside the direct advertising ban since affiliates are often content and review sites or comparison portals. Having a structured software system in place for affiliate campaigns is a practical advantage, and tools like Affilka by SOFTSWISS can help operators track affiliate traffic, monitor compliance, and handle payouts efficiently.
Likewise, partnering with popular Bulgarian influencers or Twitch streamers (for poker or esports gambling) might be an avenue, though one must tread carefully to not cross into advertising territory.
Attractive promotions can spark word-of-mouth and curiosity. For instance, a generous welcome bonus, free spins, or a no-deposit sign-up offer can encourage players to try a new casino and share their experience.
Finally, even though social media ads are out, these platforms can still be used to share updates, tournament results, or shoutouts to lucky winners. A bit of community-building can go a long way.
Wrapping Up: Opportunities & Risks for iGaming Operators in Bulgaria
For operators experienced in regulated EU markets, Bulgaria offers a focused value proposition: high ARPU (~EUR 450 in 2025 per Statista), stable EU-aligned oversight, and growing online gambling penetration. It is a compact market but precisely for that reason, margin-efficient and operationally manageable.
Success here doesn’t come from scale or media budgets, but from localisation depth. Leading operators adapt game mix to player preferences, integrate local payment rails and ensure their platform meets NRA’s audit. This level of localisation – practical, technical, and cultural – builds a deep connection with the Balkan player base.
