Bulgaria Extends Self-Exclusion to One Year for Gambling Protection

In an effort to bolster protections for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, Bulgaria’s National Revenue Agency (NRA) has introduced a key update to the country’s self-exclusion program. As of March 27, 2024, the minimum duration for self-exclusion has been extended to one year, replacing the previous policy, which allowed individuals to block their access to gambling platforms for as little as 30 days.

New policy aims to strengthen gambling addiction protection:

The revised policy reflects a broader shift in Bulgaria’s approach to gambling regulation, aligning with international standards that emphasize longer exclusion periods to help those affected by gambling harm. By implementing this change, the NRA seeks to enhance the support system for individuals who are vulnerable to addiction, reinforcing the importance of providing longer recovery windows.

Under the updated rules, individuals who wish to self-exclude from gambling activities must submit a request to the NRA. This can be done either in person at one of the agency’s approved offices or via email, with the latter requiring an electronic signature for validation. The self-exclusion process remains voluntary and free of charge, open to any Bulgarian citizen who wishes to manage their gambling behavior due to personal, psychological, or financial concerns.

Since the inception of the self-exclusion register, nearly 54,000 people have opted to participate, a testament to the growing recognition of gambling addiction issues in the country. While the register itself is not publicly accessible, it remains a critical tool for ensuring that individuals seeking self-exclusion are not allowed to participate in gambling activities at licensed operators. If gambling providers become aware of a registered individual attempting to engage in gambling, they are obligated to notify the NRA, triggering an immediate review.

Interestingly, a notable legislative change from 2023 allows for easier removal from the register. Individuals who wish to re-enter the gambling world may apply for removal after just 30 days, significantly shortening the previous two-year wait time. This adjustment gives participants more flexibility to reassess their decisions and regain control when they feel ready to return to gambling activities.

Nationwide campaign tackling addiction:

Beyond the self-exclusion measures, the Bulgarian government has launched a series of initiatives to address addiction more broadly. As stated in the regulator’s press release, in the summer of 2024, the NRA partnered with the Customs Agency to initiate a nationwide campaign named “You are not alone,” designed to raise awareness about both drug and gambling addiction. This campaign builds on the work of Stefan Bakalov, the Head of the Anti-Drug Trafficking Department at the Customs Agency, who has spent over two decades educating young people about the dangers of substance abuse.

Since the campaign’s launch, more than 5,000 students across Bulgaria have participated in educational sessions that include discussions about both drug use and gambling. The campaign has also made its presence known in schools nationwide, with over 50 visits conducted by ambassadors of the initiative. These sessions include presentations on the consequences of addiction and the risks associated with gambling, as well as live demonstrations of drug detection techniques by customs officers using specially trained dogs.

A major highlight of the campaign occurred in Nessebar, where a concert drew over 30,000 attendees. The event not only raised awareness but also allowed the public to engage with the important message of addiction prevention. The NRA and Customs Agency hope that by educating the youth, they can prevent future generations from falling victim to gambling addiction and other harmful behaviors.