The cabinet has approved a bill to amend the gambling law. It bans all advertising of gambling games, their operators and their logos, the government press office said. The same bill also bars building firms, contractors and subcontractors from paying each other in cash.
The government says the aim is to stop gambling addiction from starting and getting worse, and to protect the most vulnerable groups. Operators' brands can be shown only in a limited way: as sponsors of sports clubs, federations, associations and organisations, or when they support culture, health care and education.
The bill also halts the work of so-called affiliate operators, who promote gambling. The press office said this will bring the rules for them in line with the advertising ban.
In 2027, the alternative tax under the Corporate Income Tax Act will rise for land-based casinos and gaming halls. From 2028, a two-part state fee under the Gambling Act will replace it.
For online betting, the variable part of the two-part fee for issuing and keeping a licence will be at least €100,000 a month. The bill also adds a new one-off fee to keep a licence for making, distributing and servicing gaming equipment, and for importing, distributing and servicing it. The fee is €50,000 for 5 years and €100,000 for 10 years.
The bill raises the one-off fees to keep a licence to run gambling games. It also raises the contributions for socially responsible conduct, as well as fines and property penalties.
Foreign companies that run online betting will have to have a place of business in Bulgaria. The press office said this will help track money flows and spot gaps between declared activity, stakes, winnings paid out, revenue, costs and the corporate tax owed.
Payment firms, banks and e-money companies that handle payments for gambling and pay out winnings will have to make a mandatory cash contribution.
In construction, payments between companies, contractors and subcontractors under contracts for building work, materials and services will have to go through banks or other traceable electronic payment methods. The press office said this will shrink the grey economy, bring more financial discipline and level the field for firms that obey the law.
To prevent gambling addiction, the bill provides for information campaigns, prevention programmes and suitable teaching materials.
Prime minister Rumen Radev announced the full ban on gambling advertising on September 23. He said then that only sport could still be backed through advertising on kits and facilities.