Bulgarian Online Gaming Licence

1. Online Casino Authorisation Under a Bulgarian Online Gaming Licence

Allows operators to offer:

• RNG casino games (slots, table games)

• Live casino games

• Instant and virtual casino-style games

Who needs it:
Accordingly, this authorisation is required by online casino brands accepting Bulgarian players.

2. Sports Betting Licence

Specifically, the licence authorises:

• Pre-match sports betting

• Live / in-play betting

• Virtual sports (where approved)

Who needs it:
Therefore, this licence applies to bookmakers and betting platforms targeting Bulgaria.

3. Poker & Peer-to-Peer Games Licence

In addition, this licence covers:

• Online poker rooms

• Other peer-to-peer card or table games

Key note:
Importantly, liquidity and player pool rules apply; as a result, operations are typically locally ring-fenced.

4. Bingo & Lottery-Type Games Licence

Similarly, this licence authorises:

• Online bingo

• Draw-based and instant lottery games

• Similar chance-based products approved by the regulator

5. Supplier and B2B Requirements Under a Bulgarian Online Gaming Licence

Required for companies that support licensed operators, including:

• Game developers & studios

• Platform and PAM providers

• Hosting and data-centre services

• Payment service providers

• Certain affiliate and marketing services

Any service that affects game integrity, player funds, or regulatory reporting usually requires authorisation.

Licensing Requirements

Company and Legal Structure Requirements for a Bulgarian Online Gaming Licence

• EU/EEA or eligible non-EU company

• Company must be legally incorporated and in good standing

• Furthermore, a transparent corporate structure is required, with no bearer shares

• In addition, full disclosure of shareholders and UBOs is mandatory

In practice, many operators use an EU holding entity with a Bulgarian-compliant setup.

Licence Type Selection for a Bulgarian Online Gaming Licen

Accordingly, applicants must apply for the specific activity they intend to operate:

• Online casino

• Sports betting

• Poker / peer-to-peer

• Bingo / lottery-type games

• Supplier / B2B services

Each activity requires explicit authorisation.

Fit & Proper Requirements

Specifically, these requirements apply to:

• Shareholders / UBOs

• Directors

• Key persons (management, compliance, IT)

Required documentation

• Clean criminal records

• Professional CVs

• Source of funds & source of wealth

• Integrity and reputation assessment

Technical & IT Requirements

• Gambling platform approved by the regulator

• Certified RNGs and game software

• Secure hosting and data protection (GDPR-compliant)

• At the same time, real-time access must be granted for regulatory monitoring

• Full transaction traceability and reporting capability

Technical certification is mandatory before launch.

AML / KYC & Responsible Gaming

In parallel, mandatory internal frameworks must be implemented, including:

• AML / CTF policy aligned with EU & Bulgarian law

• Player identity verification (KYC)

• Transaction monitoring and reporting

• Responsible gaming tools (limits, exclusions, controls)

Financial and Tax Requirements for a Bulgarian Online Gaming Licence

• Payment of licence and annual supervision fees

• Gambling tax calculated on turnover (stakes), not GGR

• Player winnings taxation applies

• Proof of financial sustainability and liquidity

• Acceptable banking and payment arrangements

Local Compliance & Reporting

• Ongoing reporting to the NRA

• Access granted to monitoring systems

• Annual audits and licence renewals

• Immediate notification of corporate or system changes

Advertising & Market Conduct

• Advertising allowed only within Bulgaria

• Strict responsible-marketing rules

• Affiliates and marketing partners may require authorisation

• Consequently, non-compliance may lead to fines and blocking

Ongoing Compliance Obligations for a Bulgarian Online Gaming Licence

• Continuous AML, RG, and technical compliance

• Renewal of licences and approvals

• Regulatory inspections and audits

• Risk of suspension for tax or compliance breaches

Typical Timeline for a Bulgarian Online Gaming Licence Application

4–6 months, depending on:

• Completeness of documentation

• Technical readiness

• Speed of responses during review

Company Requirements

To begin with, to obtain and maintain an online gaming licence in Bulgaria, the applicant company must meet strict corporate, ownership, substance, and compliance requirements set by the National Revenue Agency Gambling Directorate. These rules apply to both operators (B2C) and suppliers (B2B), with scope depending on the licensed activity.

Legal Incorporation & Status

• EU/EEA or eligible non-EU company

• Company must be legally incorporated and in good standing

• Furthermore, clear constitutional documents (Articles, company register extracts)

• Likewise, no bearer shares or opaque nominee structures

• A Bulgarian-incorporated company is not always mandatory, but the structure must be fully acceptable to the regulator.

Ownership & UBO Transparency

• Full disclosure of shareholders and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)

• Identification typically from 10% ownership or control

• Moreover, the complete ownership chain up to natural persons

• Documented source of funds and source of wealth for UBOs

Management and Key Persons for a Bulgarian Online Gaming Licence

The regulator requires identifiable and competent management:

• Director(s) / Legal representative

• Compliance Officer

• AML Responsible / MLRO

• IT / Technical Responsible (for operators and technical suppliers)

All key persons must:

• Have relevant gaming or regulated-industry experience

• Provide clean criminal records

• Pass suitability and integrity checks

Substance & Operational Control

• Demonstrable real operational substance

• Ability to manage Bulgarian-facing operations and compliance

• Outsourcing is permitted, but:

  • Must be documented by contracts

  • Full responsibility remains with the licensee

• Systems must allow regulatory access and monitoring

Financial Standing

• Proof of financial stability and liquidity

• Accordingly, the ability to meet licence fees, supervision fees, and high gambling taxes

• Acceptable banking arrangements

• Player funds segregation for B2C operators

Compliance Framework

Mandatory internal policies aligned with Bulgarian law:

• AML / CTF policy

• KYC & customer due diligence

• Responsible gaming policy

• GDPR & data protection

• Internal controls, reporting, and record-keeping

Technical & Systems Readiness

• Approved gaming platforms and game suppliers

• Certified RNGs and game software

• Secure hosting and data integrity controls

• Transaction traceability and regulatory reporting capability

Outsourcing & Third Parties

• Written agreements with:

  • Game studios and platform providers

  • Payment service providers

  • Hosting and IT suppliers

  • Affiliates (where applicable)

• Certain service providers may need separate authorisation

• Moreover, the regulator must be notified of critical outsourcing

Ongoing Corporate Obligations for a Bulgarian Online Gaming Licence

• Continuous regulatory compliance

• Periodic reporting to the NRA

• Annual audits and licence renewals

• Prior approval for changes to:

  • Ownership or UBOs

  • Directors or key persons

  • Technical systems or suppliers

Summary Checklist

✔ Accordingly, eligible EU/EEA or non-EU company
✔ Transparent ownership & UBO disclosure
✔ Appointed qualified key persons
✔ Adequate operational substance
✔ Financial sustainability & player fund safeguards
✔ Bulgarian-compliant AML/KYC & RG
✔ Approved technical infrastructure

Benefits

As a result, a licence issued by the National Revenue Agency Gambling Directorate gives operators full legal access to Bulgaria’s regulated gambling market. Specifically, it is a local-market licence designed for companies that want to operate compliantly within Bulgaria.

1) Legal Access to the Bulgarian Market

• First, lawful operation for Bulgarian-located players

• In addition, protection from ISP and payment blocking

• At the same time, a clear, enforceable regulatory framework

2) Market Protection & Enforcement

• Strong enforcement against unlicensed operators

• As a result, reduced illegal competition through blocking measures

• Consequently, a stable environment for compliant businesses

3) EU-Aligned Regulation

• Regulatory framework aligned with EU standards

• Accordingly, clear AML/KYC and responsible gaming rules

• Predictable supervision by a tax-focused authority

4) Player Trust & Local Recognition

• Licensed brands gain credibility with Bulgarian players

• Moreover, mandatory consumer protection improves retention

• Lower dispute and chargeback risk

5) Local Advertising & Partnerships

• Legal ability to advertise within Bulgaria

• In addition, access to Bulgarian affiliates and media (with compliance)

• As a result, easier local sponsorship and partnership opportunities

6) Banking & Payment Stability

• Easier onboarding with Bulgarian banks and PSPs

• At the same time, stable local payment processing

• Therefore, reduced risk of sudden account closures

7) Strategic Use of a Bulgarian Online Gaming Licence with Other Jurisdictions

• Often combined with Malta (MGA) or other international licences

• Clear geo-segmentation: Bulgaria licence for Bulgaria only

• Reduced cross-border regulatory risk

8) Supplier & B2B Opportunities

• Likewise, a clear authorisation regime for suppliers and service providers

• As a result, enables compliant long-term B2B contracts

• Supports regulated partnerships in Bulgaria