The gaming industry is navigating a challenging period due to numerous regulatory changes that have occurred not only in Bulgaria but also globally. The sector faces increasingly complex issues at the national political level and in the context of global geopolitical shifts. This was highlighted by Angel Iribozov, Chairman of the Management Board of AGIB, during the press conference marking the opening of the 15th-anniversary edition of the Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo (BEGE) at the Inter Expo Center today. The event brings together over 80 exhibitors and over 6,000 visitors from 60 countries who have come to Bulgaria to showcase innovations, exchange ideas, and forge new partnerships. This year’s BEGE slogan, Proximity to Business, reflects the vision of uniting innovation, business, and success within the sector.

“The gaming industry in Bulgaria significantly impacts the economy, contributing to the advancement of various economic sectors, driving infrastructure investments, and establishing the country as a promising market for growth and innovation for international companies,” noted Iribozov as he welcomed guests to the largest gaming exhibition in Central and Eastern Europe. He emphasized that the Bulgarian industry not only follows global innovations but actively contributes to their creation, with Bulgarian companies leading the development of these technologies, thereby attracting investments and partners from around the world.

“The revenues generated by the gaming industry for the state budget in 2023 amounted to BGN 362 million, an 11% increase compared to 2022 (BGN 327 million). For the nine-month period from January 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024, nearly BGN 380 million was contributed, indicating a relatively stable and growing level of tax revenues”, Iribozov explained, citing data from the National Revenue Agency (NRA).

Kirino Mancini, Partner at Tonucci & Partners and President of IMGL, who also participated in the press conference, addressed the issue of advertising restrictions in the sector. “Very few countries have found the right formula for regulating advertising. For the industry to develop in the right direction, there must be a balanced approach and a well-calibrated set of tools because this is a legal business”, Mancini emphasized.

Jörg Hofmann, Partner at Melchers Law Firm, added: “Regulations will always evolve in the interest of consumers. Considering the existence of a black market, we must combat it precisely through regulations”.

The topic of intensified regulations and the role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality, in enhancing the customer experience will be further discussed at the Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS), which runs concurrently with the expo.