Bulgaria is taking significant steps to formalise its player protection infrastructure. The Ministry of Health has officially released a draft regulation for public consultation that would establish a structured fund dedicated to the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction. The move aims to transform the country’s current decentralised approach into a transparent, project-based system.
The proposed framework follows recent legislative changes that mandate annual contributions from all licensed gambling operators toward responsible gambling initiatives. These funds, collected by the National Revenue Agency (NRA), are currently split between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The new regulation provides the necessary legal mechanism to ensure the health portion of these funds is allocated effectively toward professional medical and educational projects.
A Standardized Approach to Treatment
According to the draft documents released by the Ministry of Health, the new “Ordinance on the Conditions and Procedure for Financing Projects” establishes clear criteria for how state funds can be utilised. The initiative is a direct response to the growing demand for support services; recent data shows that nearly 50,000 citizens have already voluntarily joined the national self-exclusion register.
- Eligible Applicants: Municipalities, hospitals, schools, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will be eligible to apply for funding.
- Prohibited Entities: To ensure neutrality, political parties, religious organisations, and entities with outstanding state debts are strictly barred from participating.
- Measurable Impact: The Ministry will prioritise long-term outreach campaigns, specialised medical treatment, and scientific research over one-off events like concerts or commercial promotions.
The public consultation period for the draft is set to run from March 31 to April 30, 2026, allowing industry stakeholders and healthcare professionals to provide feedback before the regulation is finalised.
Funding and Fiscal Context in Bulgarian Gaming Sector
The timing of this health initiative aligns with a broader fiscal tightening within the Bulgarian gaming sector. From January 2026, the government officially increased the gambling tax from 20% to 25% of GGR. This 5% hike was introduced to help bridge a national budget deficit, but it also ensures a more robust pool of capital for social and health expenditures.
While the tax increase places a higher financial burden on operators, the Ministry of Health emphasised that this specific draft regulation does not introduce new fees. Instead, it creates a transparent pipeline for the distribution of existing mandatory contributions, ensuring that the “polluter pays” principle directly benefits public health.
Regional Cooperation: The Balkan Influence
Bulgaria’s move toward a more regulated, responsible gambling framework is also being viewed through the lens of regional harmonisation. The recent establishment of the Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) has created a new platform for regulators in the region to share best practices.
Bulgarian officials have reportedly been consulting with their Balkan counterparts to ensure that their addiction treatment standards align with broader European benchmarks. This collaborative approach is seen as essential as Bulgaria prepares for full Eurozone integration, which requires modernised financial and social controls over the Bulgarian gambling sector.
Digital Integration: eHealth Solutions
To complement the new fund, the Ministry has integrated gambling addiction resources into the national eHealth mobile application. Users can now access self-assessment tools, warning sign checklists, and direct links to help centres funded by the new ordinance.
Health officials believe that by combining traditional treatment funding with modern digital accessibility, Bulgaria can better reach younger demographics who may be at risk. As the 2026 regulatory landscape takes shape, Bulgaria is positioning itself as a leader in Balkan player protection, balancing a high-tax environment with a sophisticated social safety net.