The gaming industry is going through an extremely dynamic period \u2013 regulatory changes, technologies, new consumption patterns and stricter advertising and payment requirements are reshaping the market in real time. The Bulgarian sector remains a net contributor to the budget, but it is important that the decisions made create a predictable environment and competitive legal platforms in order to reduce the risk of illegal gambling growth. This was stated by Angel Iribozov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of the Gaming Industry in Bulgaria (AGIB) during the press conference on the occasion of the 16th edition of the Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo (BEGE) on November 26 at Inter Expo Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The topic of tax revenues from the gaming industry and the risk of the illegal market growth was touched upon with particular emphasis in Angel Iribozov\u2019s speech, against the backdrop of a tense day in the parliament. The Budget Committee discussed Budget 2026, including the new tax framework for the sector and the idea to give out \u200b\u200bthe State Totalizator to concession under more favorable conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this context, during a press conference at BEGE 2025, key data was presented on the state of the Bulgarian market, along with the priorities for 2026. This year, the forum brings together over 6,000 professionals from more than 60 countries, focusing on sustainable development, technological innovation and partnership with the regulator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201eThe gaming industry in our country has a significant impact on the economy and contributes to the progress of various economic sectors. The revenues generated by the gaming industry into the State Budget of 2024 amount to BGN 503 million and nearly BGN 388 million for the period January 1 \u2013 September 30, 2025. The online segment continues to expand, with 26 organizers currently operating with a total of 53 active licenses, and stable growth is reported in state fees from the law. Meanwhile, the land-based network is marking a gradual decline in the number of sites and devices, accompanied by increased efficiency and accelerated digitalization,\u201c Iribozov summarized the big picture, referring to current data on the industry provided by the National Revenue Agency (NRA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The importance of dialogue between the regulator and the industry, especially against the backdrop of the risk of black market growth, was emphasized by Joerg Hoffmann, senior partner at Melchers Law Firm (Germany) and one of the leading European specialists in gaming legislation, who was among the international experts who took part in the press conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201eFrom a legal perspective, website blocking and payment restrictions have been proven to be effective measures to combat illegal platforms. When platforms and government regulators work together, they significantly hinder access to illegal sites and block financial flows, making the fight against illegal gambling much more successful,\u201c Hoffmann explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part of the big discussion was also the topic of responsible gaming. \u201eSelf-exclusion programs and deposit limits are some of the most effective tools for responsible gaming. They not only help protect at-risk players, but also make the illegal market less attractive by offering safer options through licensed operators,\u201c said Pieter Remmers, General Secretary of the European Association for the Study of Gambling (EASG) and a globally recognized authority on responsible gaming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is difficult to find the right balance between complying with strict anti-money laundering requirements and not overly restricting the markets. Regulators and operators must find a way to implement effective measures that do not lead to players switching to unlicensed operators, but at the same time comply with the law,\u201d said Daniel Gambin, co-founder and CEO of Letzz, a company that is setting a new standard in anti-money laundering and regulatory compliance in the online gaming industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201eSustainable interaction between the state and the business is extremely important when it comes to the technology sector and the entertainment and gaming industry,\u201c confirmed Alexander Popov, director of the directorate for supervision of gambling activities at the NRA at the opening of the BEGE expo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rossi McKee, co-founder of Telematic Interactive Bulgaria AD, honorary Chairperson of AGIB and founder of the Responsible Gaming Foundation, gave an exceptionally inspiring start to the Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS). She delivered a unique and outstanding presentation covering the risk of excessive pressure on legal operators for the growth of the gray sector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
BEGE 2025 presented new product lines, platforms and solutions for regulated markets, while opening up a space for meetings between operators, suppliers, banks, investment funds and technology companies. The slogan of BEGE this year is Proximity to Potential, which reflects the vision that each connection and collaboration are important pieces of a larger puzzle that drive innovation and success in the industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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