Bulgaria Faces Escalating Challenge from Illegal Online Gambling
Illegal online gambling remains a dominant force in Bulgaria, outpacing the regulated sector despite government efforts to tighten control. Former Interior Minister Rumen Petkov has called for a unified European registry to combat unlicensed operators, warning that the unchecked expansion of illegal gambling poses serious risks to society.
The Growing Threat of Illegal Gambling
Rumen Petkov, a member of the BSP coalition, has voiced strong concerns over the surge of illegal online gambling in Europe, highlighting its dominance over legally regulated alternatives. He emphasized that the lack of a centralized EU-wide registry to identify and block unlicensed operators creates an environment where black-market gambling flourishes.
Petkov outlined two key dangers stemming from the proliferation of illegal gambling: its impact on individuals and families, and the flow of illicit funds into organized crime. He warned that the lack of regulation not only enables gambling addiction and financial instability but also allows proceeds from unlicensed operators to fund activities such as political manipulation, drug production, and human trafficking.
Alarming Statistics in Bulgaria
The scale of the problem in Bulgaria is evident from data provided by the National Gambling Regulator (NRA). According to Petkov, while 25 licensed operators hold a total of 46 gambling permits, authorities have identified over 5,000 illegal websites. In 2024 alone, an additional 3,007 illegal gambling platforms were detected, highlighting the rapid expansion of the black market.
Bulgaria introduced stricter advertising regulations for licensed gambling operators last year to mitigate problem gambling. However, Petkov argues that these measures have had an unintended effect—pushing more users towards illegal platforms that operate beyond the reach of state oversight.
Efforts to Combat Unlicensed Operators
Rumen Spetsov, Director General of the NRA, stated that the regulator is continuously enhancing its technological capabilities and working closely with law enforcement to curb the spread of illegal gambling sites. Despite these efforts, the industry remains heavily infiltrated by unregulated actors.
At a recent BSP press conference, Petkov stressed that the greatest concern is not the financial losses to the state, but the broader societal harm caused by illegal gambling. He revealed that BSP has engaged with the Ministry of Interior and the Deputy Prime Minister, advocating for more proactive measures. This includes deeper collaboration with licensed gambling associations and nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public on gambling-related harm.