🧰 Bulgaria🇧🇬: gambling affiliate licensing rules have entered into force

🧰 Bulgaria🇧🇬: gambling affiliate licensing rules have entered into force

The National Revenue Agency (NRA) published the application form for a license to conduct gambling promotion activities in accordance with the Gambling Act (NHHDd11_4). The licensing system has been in effect since August 1, 2026.

📌 What information must be included in the application❓

In addition to standard information and documentation, such as registration documents, registered office address, and authorization for the relevant type of activity, applicants must provide details of:

➖ website addresses;

➖ mobile applications;

➖ social media accounts;

➖ video and streaming platforms.

The license may be requested for a single promotional activity or for a term of up to 5 years, inclusive.

📌 If an affiliate company is registered abroad, it must appoint an authorized representative in Bulgaria who is able to communicate and interact with public authorities on the company's behalf.

📌 New tax regime for affiliate activities

The new measures introduce a two-component tax on affiliate activities:

➖ a fixed annual fee of EUR 6,000;

➖ a 10% tax calculated using a variable rate applied to commissions. The amount is determined based on the number of registered accounts, deposits made, and other measurable indicators.

📌 Affiliate companies operating without the required license will be subject to enforcement measures. The NRA will require banks and other financial institutions to block outgoing transactions to such affiliates.

🖋 The new regime establishes a special framework for individuals and organizations providing affiliate services to gambling operators and gambling websites. The provisions were discussed as part of the adoption of the 2026 state budget. According to estimates from Bulgaria's Ministry of Finance, affiliate revenues that were previously not subject to taxation amount to approximately EUR 230–255 million. The authorities expect the new measures to bring 40% of gambling-related activity from the informal economy into the regulated and taxable sector. The expected budget revenue from the measures is approximately EUR 100 million in 2026 and could reach up to EUR 150 million in 2027.

🖋 Context: during discussions on gambling legislation, several proposals were put forward, including increasing taxes and imposing stricter restrictions on advertising. Bulgarian authorities ultimately chose to focus their efforts on regulating the affiliate ecosystem, with the aim of preventing gambling activity from shifting into the informal market and, instead, gradually bringing it into the regulated framework.

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