Date: 25.10.2024

by Adam Dworak

Bulgarian Man Sues Operator for Self-Exclusion Breach, Seeking Financial Restitution

A Bulgarian man has taken legal action against a local gambling operator, alleging that it breached his self-exclusion request and reignited his gambling addiction. He is now pursuing reimbursement of his gambling losses, totaling BGN 8,500 ($4,697), along with BGN 1,000 ($552) in damages.

Struggles with Long-Term Gambling Addiction

The plaintiff, who has battled gambling addiction for over 15 years, has faced significant hardships as a result of his compulsion, including job loss, mounting debt, and severe emotional distress.

By 2022, he reported debts amounting to BGN 100,000 ($55,213). His journey toward recovery began with therapy sessions and eventually led him to enroll in the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency’s (NRA) self-exclusion program on January 6, 2023, hoping to curb his access to gambling activities.

Violation of Self-Exclusion Agreement

Despite his efforts, the plaintiff reported that he managed to access one of Bulgaria’s major gambling websites several weeks after enrolling in the self-exclusion program.

Over a 12-day period, he wagered over BGN 20,000 and incurred a net loss of BGN 8,500 ($4,697).

He subsequently contacted the operator to request a refund, citing the breach of his self-exclusion status; however, the operator declined his request, leading him to file a lawsuit.

Expert Findings and Testimonies

Investigators verified that the man had indeed been added to the NRA’s self-exclusion register, but the operator reportedly failed to check the registry, thus violating its obligations under the self-exclusion policy.

Furthermore, psychiatric evaluations confirmed the man’s severe gambling addiction, which was aggravated by the renewed access to gambling activities.

The man’s wife testified in court, emphasizing that the relapse had severely hindered his recovery, leaving him with feelings of regret, guilt, and helplessness.