Bulgaria’s long-delayed 2026 budget is moving to the National Assembly for final approval with new measures aimed at gambling affiliates. 

The draft puts the deficit at 5.7 per cent, or about €7.2bn. It also projects revenues of €49.5bn and expenditure of €56.8bn. 

Lawmakers want to create a licensing regime for affiliates working with regulated operators. The proposal also introduces a two-part levy for activity linked to gambling promotion. One part would be a fixed €6,000 annual tax. The other would be a 10 per cent variable tax on commissions from promotional work.
 

Political Changes Delayed The Budget

The budget took longer to reach parliament because of the political situation in the country. The previous caretaker government lacked the authority to advance the package. That changed after Rumen Radev secured a majority in snap elections in April. The government has now been able to move the budget forward.

The gambling policy side has also seen changes at the National Revenue Agency. Alexander Popov has left his role as director for gambling policy. Media reports say Ginka Panaretova may replace him. That possible appointment could prove controversial because of her previous work with operator Inbet.
 

Advertising Scrutiny Continues

The budget debate comes at a time of growing tension over gambling advertising. Bulgaria banned gambling ads on television, radio and some public spaces in 2024. Critics recently accused Bulgarian National Television of airing gambling-related promotions during FIFA World Cup broadcasts. The broadcaster said the clips were tied to sponsorships rather than direct gambling inducements.

The National Children’s Network is now pressing lawmakers to go further. It has called for bans on product placements and on the use of gambling trademarks in sports competitions. The group wants the restrictions tightened beyond the current rules. The request adds another issue for lawmakers as they review the budget package.

 

 

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