Bulgaria Enforces New Licensing Rules for Gambling Affiliates
Bulgaria requires gambling affiliates to obtain a license from the National Revenue Agency, with fees and penalties for non-compliance.Summary
Bulgaria has introduced a mandatory licensing framework for gambling affiliates, bringing businesses and individuals that earn commission from player activity under direct regulatory oversight for the first time. The new rules took effect on 1 August 2026 following amendments to the Bulgarian Gambling Act. Under the new framework, affiliates whose income depends on measurable gambling-related activity must obtain a license from the National Revenue Agency (NRA). The central factor determining whether a license is required is the way an affiliate is paid; any individual or company receiving compensation linked to player registrations, deposits, wagers, winnings, recruited participants or similar performance metrics now falls within the scope of the licensing regime. The licensing requirement applies to both Bulgarian and foreign applicants, who must appoint an authorized representative with an address in Bulgaria. The new regime introduces both fixed and variable financial obligations for licensed affiliates, including an annual license maintenance fee of €6,000 and a variable charge equal to 10% of performance-based commission revenue. The NRA has indicated that license applications should be reviewed within seven days and has provided detailed guidance on how the system will operate. The amendments provide the NRA with several enforcement mechanisms aimed at ensuring compliance, including the power to block websites, applications, social media profiles and streaming channels operated by unlicensed affiliates.
(Source：World Casino News)