The Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (NRA), the regulatory body overseeing gambling in the country, has increased the minimum self-exclusion period for players to one year.
Previously, individuals enrolled in Bulgaria’s self-exclusion program could restrict access to licensed gambling sites for as little as 30 days. However, a recent amendment to the Gambling Act now requires a minimum exclusion period of one year.
The new regulation took effect on 27 March and is now being enforced by the NRA. All licensed gambling operators in Bulgaria must comply with this updated requirement.
Bulgaria’s Self-Exclusion Program Nears 54,000 Participants
To date, almost 54,000 individuals have opted into Bulgaria’s self-exclusion program. Players can enroll by submitting a request to the NRA, either in person at an approved office or online.
For those wishing to remove themselves from the list and resume gambling, a direct application to the NRA is required. However, players can only do so once their exclusion period has ended or within the first 30 days of initially registering.
While the self-exclusion list is not publicly accessible, gambling operators must prevent listed individuals from playing. If a self-excluded player is discovered gambling, operators are required to report them immediately to the NRA.
Operators Must Enforce Bans on Self-Excluded Employees
The self-exclusion program also applies to gambling industry employees. Since August 2023, the NRA has mandated that operators prohibit self-excluded staff members from entering casinos or gambling halls—even if they are there to work rather than play.
Additional entry restrictions include bans on:
– Individuals in uniform
– Minors under 18
– Armed individuals
– Anyone without proper identification
– Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Bulgaria’s self-exclusion initiative was initially launched several years ago but was temporarily suspended for two years due to legislative revisions. The program resumed operations in mid-December 2022 and continues to expand under the latest regulatory updates.
