Mandatory one-year cooling-off period for gambling enacted in Bulgaria
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Bulgaria beefs up gambling self-exclusion rules with a year-long minimum ban
Say goodbye to the casino floor for at least a year if you decide to take a break from gambling in Bulgaria. The country has introduced a smack-down on self-exclusion periods, thanks to an update in their gambling regulations.
Starting March 27, 2025, gamblers who opt for self-exclusion in Bulgaria will have to sit out from all licensed gambling activities for at least 365 days. This change, driven by the National Revenue Agency (NRA), applies to all gambling operators across the nation.
With close to 54,000 individuals already registered in the self-exclusion program, the registration process remains simple. You can submit a request either online or in-person at an NRA-approved office. Once registered, you have to wait out your year-long ban before requesting removal, unless you act within the initial 30 days of signing up.
The self-exclusion list is kept under wraps, but licensed operators are required to ensure self-excluded players are barred from gambling. If a self-excluded individual is found playing, the operator must immediately report the violation to the NRA, which could lead to penalties.
This new rule also applies to employees of gambling operators. Since August 2023, self-excluded staff members have been banned from setting foot in gambling venues, whether they're working or playing.
Moreover, additional restrictions prevent entry to those in uniform, minors under 18, armed persons, those without ID, and anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
First introduced several years ago, self-exclusion was briefly put on hold for two years due to legal wrangling, only to resume in December 2022.
This revamp aligns with Bulgaria's efforts to address gambling addiction, which affects roughly 3% of its population. The government has also introduced a nationwide gambling ad ban and awareness campaigns as part of its public health strategy.
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Fun Fact: Did you know that Bulgaria is one of the few countries to have a special commission dedicated to gambling issues? Established in 2006, the Commission on Gambling Regulation works to ensure a safe and fair gambling environment.
In Bulgaria, those who opt for self-exclusion from gambling will be banned from all licensed gambling activities for a minimum of one year, starting from March 27, 2025. The National Revenue Agency (NRA) is responsible for implementing this change and it applies to all gambling operators across the nation. Individual requests for self-exclusion can be made online or in-person at NRA-approved offices. The new rule also applies to employees of gambling operators, preventing them from entering gambling venues since August 2023. This update in gambling regulations is part of Bulgaria's ongoing efforts to address gambling addiction and ensure a safe gambling environment.
