Bulgaria has introduced tougher regulations for gamblers wishing to self-exclude, extending the minimum exclusion period from 30 days to one year. gambling self-exclusion
The National Revenue Agency (NRA) updated its policies, with the changes taking effect on March 27, as outlined on its official website. This move signals a stronger commitment to safeguarding players from gambling-related harm.
The self-exclusion process in Bulgaria, however, is more complex than in many other European nations. Gamblers must submit a formal request either by emailing the NRA or visiting an agency office to complete the application at a kiosk. Both methods require detailed personal information and an electronic signature, which costs between £3 ($3.88) and £33 ($42.65) for a one-year signature, with higher fees for longer durations.
Once a request is approved, gambling operators must check the exclusion list and block registered individuals from participating. The NRA reports that 54,000 people have already opted for self-exclusion under this system. For more details on how the process works, the NRA’s recent podcast with Alexander Popov, Director of Gambling Activities, provides additional clarity.
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These changes are part of a wider overhaul of Bulgaria’s gambling laws, initiated last year when key political parties collaborated to modernize the country’s outdated regulations. While much attention focused on a partial ban on gambling ads, the self-exclusion reforms were a significant aspect of the updates. The new rules also propose automatically enrolling people on social support or with diagnosed mental health issues into the self-exclusion registry.
To enforce compliance, operators face hefty penalties for violations. A first offense incurs a fine of BGN 5,000 ($2,762), while subsequent breaches could lead to fines of BGN 20,000 ($11,049) or even license revocation for a third infraction. These measures underscore Bulgaria’s push to create a safer gambling environment. Bulgaria gambling self-exclusion
