Bulgaria Plans Licensing System for Gambling Affiliates

Budget Adds New Rules for Affiliates

Bulgaria's delayed 2026 budget is now before the National Assembly. The budget includes new rules for gambling affiliates. If lawmakers approve the plan, affiliates that promote licensed gambling casinos must get a license. This would be the country's first licensing system for gambling affiliates.

The proposal also adds two taxes. Affiliates would pay a yearly fee of €6,000. They would also pay a 10% tax on the commissions they earn. The government says the changes could raise more tax money — and make affiliate activity easier to monitor. The rules would also bring affiliates under Bulgaria's gambling laws.

The proposal includes:

• A license for gambling affiliates.

• A yearly tax of €6,000.

• A 10% tax on commission income.

• Rules for affiliates working with licensed operators.

Budget Moves Forward After Delay

The government expects revenue of €49.5 billion. Planned spending is €56.8 billion. The budget also projects a deficit of 5.7%, or about €7.2 billion. The previous caretaker government could not move the budget ahead. That changed after Rumen Radev gained enough support after the April snap elections.

The new government has now moved the budget forward. As a result, the gambling proposal is also moving ahead.

More Gambling Changes May Follow

Recently, Alexander Popov left his role as director of gambling policy at the National Revenue Agency. Reports say Ginka Panaretova may replace him — but her past work with Inbet has raised questions.

Bulgaria banned many gambling ads on television, radio, and in some public places in 2024. Nevertheless, Bulgarian National Television recently showed gambling-related sponsorship clips during FIFA World Cup broadcasts. The broadcaster said they were sponsorship messages, not gambling ads.

Beyond that debate, National Children's Network wants stricter rules. The group has asked lawmakers to ban gambling product placements. It also wants gambling trademarks removed from sports events.