Bulgaria May Scrap Affiliate Licences Five Months After Launch
Bulgaria is considering the removal of its newly introduced licensing regime for gambling affiliates. Under draft amendments published this week, existing licences would end on January 1, 2027.
The proposal was opened for consultation on September 23. A review by the Association of the Gaming Industry in Bulgaria says the draft removes the provisions covering gambling promotion by affiliates. It also deletes the separate fee under Article 30a and penalties linked to the regime.
Affiliate Regime Could Last Five Months
The licences are new. Bulgaria introduced them from August 1, 2026. Companies already promoting licensed gambling operators were given until August 15 to apply.
The framework covers affiliates whose payments depend on results including referred customers, deposits, bets and clicks. According to a summary of the new rules, licensed affiliates face a fixed annual fee of €6,000 plus a 10% charge on performance-based remuneration.
If the latest proposal becomes law without a change to the January date, the separate licensing system will last just five months.
Wider Advertising Ban Also Proposed
Affiliate rules form only one part of the bill. The government also wants much tighter limits on gambling advertising. Prime Minister Roumen Radev said on September 23 that the changes would amount in practice to a full advertising ban.
The government announcement lists television, radio, print publications, websites, social networks, mobile applications and streaming platforms among the affected channels.
Sports Sponsorship Would Remain
Sports sponsorship is treated differently. Gambling brands could still appear on sports clothing, equipment and at venues under the proposed rules. Sponsored clubs and organisations would also be able to identify their sponsors on their own websites.
The draft places tighter restrictions on broadcasts. Gambling branding added digitally to a sports transmission would not be allowed where the same branding is not physically displayed at the venue. Public consultation on the amendments is now under way.
The draft sets January 1, 2027 as the date for ending the affiliate licences. That date can still change before the bill is passed.