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Casinos for you
Bulgarian Gaming Comission
Overview
The Bulgarian gambling market is regulated and the authority in charge is the Bulgarian Gaming Commission. People from this country have enjoyed legal gambling since 1957, but an important milestone was set in 2012. This is when the Gambling Act and its amendments became law and they are currently the main piece of gambling legislation nationwide.
Online Casinos Licensed by Bulgarian Gaming Comission
Internet gambling is now the dominant form worldwide and there are plenty of online casinos where Bulgarians can play legally. All forms of gambling were legalized in 2008, but the main piece of legislation was only elaborated four years later. The Gambling Act of 2012 sets the stage for legal gaming nationwide, in accord with overarching EU gambling laws.
Players who want to enjoy the excitement of online casinos are advised to sign up for an account at licensed ones. There are dozens of such operators and they proudly display the Bulgarian Gaming Commission seal of approval. Meanwhile, Internet service providers within the country will block access to sites that were blacklisted by the regulator. This makes it difficult for punters to access the website, although shortcuts do exist in the form of VPNs.
About Bulgarian Gaming Comission
Since 2012 when gambling legislation was enacted, bookmakers, casinos, poker rooms, and lottery game providers applied for licenses. Many were awarded in the same year and there are still foreign operators applying and acquiring the necessary licenses. The government found it worthwhile to legalize online gambling, as it is regarded as a source of revenue for state coffers.
Initially, the license implied high fees and a plethora of taxes that had a deterring effect on foreign casino operators. Today, they are supposed to pay €50,000 as a one-time licensing fee and there is also a 20% tax on the gross gaming revenue. The percentage is still above the industry average and there are international casinos that are reluctant to enter the market for this reason.
Bulgarian Gaming Comission Licensed Online Casinos
The State Commission on Gambling was replaced by the Bulgarian Gaming Comission after the latter was at the center of a huge corruption scandal. Things have evolved much smoother since that happened, with the specific requirements for licensing being displayed on the authority's website. Only operators that were not the subject of coercive administrative measures within five years before applying for a license are granted one.
The good news is that all forms of gambling are now legal in Bulgaria, including casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, and lottery games. Esports is assimilated into traditional sports but many bookmakers and Bulgarians can legally bet on video games at licensed bookies. All forms of blood sports are strictly forbidden, as they are animal cruelty and the same goes for betting. Overall, the Bulgarian legislation is harmonized with European laws regarding online gambling.
Safety
One of the main benefits of gambling with licensed and regulated operators is that you enjoy a secure environment. Safety comes first and casinos licensed in Bulgaria need to abide by responsible betting principles. The organizers are obliged to place a message about the dangers of gambling addiction, as well as information about the possibilities for counseling and therapy. These should be displayed in a highly visible place, so existing and prospective players can easily see them.
Advertising sports betting and casino games are legal as well, but it needs to be done in accordance with the law. It is strictly forbidden to target minors and gambling operators should also do their due diligence to avoid promoting content to problem gamblers.
FAQ
What’s the name of the gambling regulating authority in Bulgaria?Gambling licenses are awarded by the Bulgarian Gaming Comission to eligible operators.Is it safe to play at licensed online casinos in Bulgaria?Gambling operators that have a seal of approval from the Bulgarian regulator can be trusted.Can I access online casinos without a license?Internet providers block access to websites that provide gambling services without a license.What type of gambling is legal in Bulgaria?You can bet on sports and esports, and play casino games, poker, slots, and video poker legally.Can I play for free at licensed casinos in Bulgaria?Online casinos licensed by the Bulgarian Gaming Comission offer free and real money games.
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