New Bulgarian Gambling Rules Mandate Longer Self Exclusion Periods

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In a significant move intended to strengthen responsible gambling measures in Bulgaria, the country has now amended its regulations, extending the possible minimum self-exclusion period from 30 days up to one full year. This change, which has come into effect as of the 27th March 2025, reflects a growing global trend that advocates for more thorough player protection protocols. According to Bulgaria’s gambling regulator, the National Revenue Agency (NRA), these initiatives have been announced as part of a boarder project which aligns with best international practices to address problem gambling.

Unfortunately, certain players tend to get caught up in the excitement of playing real money casino games and fail to recognize when it’s time to call it quits. And while NoDepositRewards has many such promotions and more, one thing it always promotes is the importance of responsible gambling. In fact, it even has an entire page dedicated to explaining why and how players can keep track of their habits. 

The Need for Heightened Player Protection

This extension on the existing self-exclusion period aims to provide players that are struggling with problem gambling the chance to benefit from a wider timeframe to seek help and recover. In the past, a standard 30-day window was considered enough time to do so, however this one-year option has allowed Bulgaria to join other countries like Australia and the UK where longer self-exclusion periods are standard. Since its launch, approximately 54,000 players have already registered for self-exclusion in the country, indicating a significant uptake of the program.

Implementation and Compliance

To enroll in the Bulgarian self-exclusion program, players are required to submit a request to the NRA either in person or via email and seal the deal with an electronic signature. The cost of obtaining this signature varies between £3 and £33 depending on the technology used.

Licensed gambling operators are also required to consult the national self-exclusion register to prevent any previously listed individuals from accessing other gambling services. Failure to comply could lead to penalties which start from BGN 5,000 (£2,152) for first-time violators, escalating to BGN 20,000 (£8,610) for repeat offences. There’s also a potential license revocation that could be issued on a third breach.

The Need for Wider Reforms 

The extension of the self-exclusion period in Bulgaria forms part of a wider overall concerning national regulations. Last year, the government introduced a nation-wide ban on advertising related to gambling across all media formats, with the aim of reducing player exposure while mitigating problem gambling. Apart from that, the NRA also launched a “You Are Not Alone” campaign in collaboration with the country’s Customs Agency, focusing on sharing education and information about the dangers of substance abuse and problem gambling among the younger generation.

Conclusion

Bulgaria’s decision to extend the minimum self-exclusion period up to 365 days indicates its robust commitment to player protection and responsible gaming. By aligning with international standards and adopting substantial reforms, it’s clear that the nation is taking a proactive approach when addressing gambling-related harm, while simultaneously creating a safer gambling landscape for its citizens.