Bulgarian Gambling Halls Demand Location Rule Changes to Avert Closures and Protests
AOGGAB is pressing Bulgaria to exempt existing gambling halls from 300-metre distancing rules under the 2024 Gambling Act amendments, citing a loophole that benefits bookmaker points. The group warns of peaceful protests, potential closure of 800 halls, loss of 20,000 jobs and €400m in tax revenue. Talks with the Deputy Minister of Finance hinge on lifting restrictions for licensed venues.
SCCG Take — The dispute exposes inconsistent rules that advantage one format over another. Uniform standards are required to safeguard operator investments and employment in the land-based sector.
Bulgaria’s gaming hall and casino industry has urged the government to overhaul the Gambling Act. The sector has warned it is ready to stage peaceful protests if demands to adjust location restrictions are not met.
In 2024 Bulgaria adopted amendments to the Gambling Act that reinforced prohibitions on gaming halls and casinos operating within 300 metres of educational institutions and other designated locations. A subsequent draft amendment requires operators to submit evidence of compliance by 30 April 2027.
As reported by SBC News, the Association of Organisers of Gambling Games and Activities in Bulgaria (AOGGAB) argues the rules create a loophole by excluding bookmaker betting points. These points are opening in place of closed gaming halls.
Georgi Petkov, an AOGGAB member, said: “I have already observed that in some small towns where they close gaming halls, they open three or four bookmaker offices per closed hall.”
AOGGAB states that without changes the framework gives bookmaker operators a competitive advantage over gaming halls and casinos that have paid for multi-year licences. The association has called for equal treatment across all land-based gambling and betting venues. It has also requested details on oversight of betting points, including steps to block access by minors and vulnerable people.
Investment costs for larger licensed establishments can reach approximately €1.3m (£1m). AOGGAB estimates around 800 licensed gaming halls could close. This would place up to 20,000 jobs at risk and generate approximately €400m in lost tax revenue.
The sector has held talks with the Deputy Minister of Finance. AOGGAB has signaled willingness to back proposed advertising restrictions and tax increases provided the distance rules are lifted for already-licensed venues. Without agreement, representatives are ready to peacefully protest.
Loophole Favoring Bookmaker Betting Points
The exclusion of betting points from the 300-metre restriction has produced replacements for closed halls in small towns. AOGGAB maintains this distorts competition against venues that hold existing multi-year licences.
Scale of Threatened Job and Tax Losses
Around 800 halls face potential closure with up to 20,000 jobs and €400m in tax revenue at stake. These outcomes follow prior licence investments now undermined by the uneven application of the location rules.
Reporting: SBC News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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