Bulgarian gambling halls threaten protests over Gambling Act rules
Industry body AOGGAB warns the government that proximity rules could shut 800 gaming halls and cost 20,000 jobs unless already-licensed venues are exempted.
Bulgaria's gaming hall and casino sector has called on the government to overhaul the country's Gambling Act, warning it stands ready to stage peaceful protests if its demands go unmet, according to SBC News.
The dispute centres on reforms adopted in 2024, which introduced some of Bulgaria's most significant gambling law changes in close to a decade. Among them, the legislation reinforced a ban on gaming halls and casinos operating within 300 metres of schools and a number of other designated locations.
A follow-up draft amendment, recently published for consultation, would require affected operators to submit evidence of compliance with the distancing rule by 30 April 2027.
The Association of Organisers of Gambling Games and Activities in Bulgaria (AOGGAB) told SBC News the framework has created a loophole, since bookmaker betting points are excluded from the same restrictions and are opening in place of gaming halls forced to close.
AOGGAB member Georgi Petkov said: "I have already observed that in some small towns where they close gaming halls, they open three or four bookmaker offices per closed hall."
The Association argues that, left unamended, the rules would hand operators of betting points a government-backed advantage over gaming halls and casinos, including businesses that have already paid for multi-year licences.
AOGGAB is calling for equal regulatory treatment across all land-based gambling and betting venues. It has also asked the government to demonstrate how it oversees betting points, specifically what measures prevent minors and vulnerable customers from accessing on-site services.
The Association puts the licensing and investment costs already borne by licensed venues at around €1.3m (£1m) for larger establishments.
It estimates that roughly 800 licensed gaming halls could be forced to close under the current rules, putting as many as 20,000 jobs at risk and resulting in an estimated €400m in lost tax revenue.
Representatives of the gaming hall and casino sector have entered talks with Bulgaria's Deputy Minister of Finance over the dispute.
AOGGAB said the sector is willing to accept proposed advertising restrictions and tax increases, provided the distance requirements are lifted for venues that are already licensed.
Without an agreement, the Association warned, "representatives of the legal gambling business are ready to peacefully protest if their concerns remain unanswered".