Bulgarian gaming halls and casinos seek exemption from 300-metre distance rule, threaten peaceful protests

Bulgaria's gaming hall and casino sector has called on the government to rework the Gambling Act, saying operators are prepared to hold "peaceful protests" if their demands go unmet. The appeal comes from the Association of Organisers of Gambling Games and Activities in Bulgaria (AOGGAB), which set out its position in a statement sent to SBC News.

In 2024, Bulgaria adopted a large package of amendments to the Gambling Act, described as some of the most significant gambling reforms in the country in nearly a decade. The changes reinforced a ban on gaming halls and casinos operating within 300 metres of educational institutions and several other designated locations. A later draft amendment, recently published for consultation, would require affected operators to submit proof of compliance with the location rules by 30 April 2027.

AOGGAB argues the legislation contains a loophole because it leaves out bookmaker betting points. According to the association, such outlets are opening in place of closed gaming halls. AOGGAB member Georgi Petkov said he had seen cases in small towns where three or four bookmaker offices opened for each gaming hall that shut. The association says that without changes, bookmaker operators would gain a government-backed competitive edge over gaming halls and casinos, some of which have already paid for multi-year licences. It is asking for equal treatment of all land-based gambling and betting venues, as well as evidence of how the state supervises betting points, in particular the measures that keep minors and vulnerable people from using on-site betting services.

The group also pointed to the financial and social impact. It says licensing and investment costs can reach about €1.3m (£1m) for larger venues. AOGGAB estimates that around 800 licensed gaming halls could close, putting up to 20,000 jobs at risk and causing roughly €400m in lost tax revenue.

Representatives of the sector have entered talks with the Deputy Minister of Finance. AOGGAB said the industry is willing to back the proposed advertising restrictions and tax increases, provided the distance requirements are lifted for venues that are already licensed. Without an agreement, it warned, representatives of the legal gambling business are ready to protest peacefully if their concerns remain unanswered.