Unregulated Gambling Cited as Key Argument in Bulgaria’s Eurozone Talks
Bulgarian officials have identified illegal gambling as a significant factor in the country’s debate over joining the Eurozone. Senior members of the government argue that adopting the euro would strengthen regulatory oversight and help combat the grey economy linked to unlicensed betting operations.
Gambling as a Driver for Reform
Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov has positioned the fight against unlicensed gambling at the center of Bulgaria’s Eurozone ambitions. Speaking at the National Centre for Information and Documentation, he described accession as a “significant breakthrough” that could limit the flow of illicit money, particularly from illegal betting operations that avoid regulation and taxation.
According to Zafirov, Bulgaria’s current regulatory framework struggles to control the proliferation of unlicensed gambling. He stressed the need to raise public awareness of gambling addiction and to hold broader policy discussions aimed at reform. The deputy prime minister also noted the growing influence of gambling-related sponsors in Eastern European football — a particularly sensitive issue in a country where the sport enjoys widespread popularity.
Broader Political Support for Euro Adoption
Zafirov’s stance is echoed by other senior officials. Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova, a member of the conservative GERB party, reiterated the government’s strategic goal of joining the Eurozone. She pointed to the euro’s potential to boost financial and economic resilience at a time of global uncertainty.
Deputy Minister of Interior Filip Popov also framed Eurozone accession as a tool for addressing deeper criminal issues. He highlighted the link between illegal gambling and organized crime networks engaged in drug and arms trafficking as well as human smuggling. Popov emphasized the limitations of national enforcement, especially when illicit platforms are hosted abroad, beyond the reach of domestic authorities.
Political Division and Public Resistance
Despite strong backing from parts of the government, the push toward the Eurozone remains politically divisive. Critics argue that Bulgaria is not ready for such a transition and warn of potential negative impacts on national sovereignty and economic autonomy.
Among the most vocal skeptics is President Rumen Radev, who has repeatedly called for a public referendum on euro adoption. According to Radev, such a move would help rebuild public trust and ensure that the decision reflects the will of the Bulgarian people. He has urged political leaders to encourage open public debate rather than impose a top-down decision.