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    Bulgaria shuts down 2,500+ illegal gambling sites

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    The NRA orders the suspension of over 640 betting platforms in September alone, totalling 2,500 site shutdowns for 2024.

    The online casino industry continues focusing on creating a safer gaming experience for all players. Regulated regions have strict measures in place to ensure that operators abide by rules and players are protected.

    Operators who don’t abide by and aim to enter markets without licensing may face harsh punishment in regions like Bulgaria.

    Bulgaria’s mass crackdown

    Bulgaria has taken a strict stance against illegal gaming and has no hesitation when it comes to shutting down operators that don’t follow procedures. The National Revenue Agency (NRA) is taking decisive action in 2024 against illegal operators, leading to a mass shutdown.

    The NRA has shut down more than 2,500 websites that have been operating without licensing. A recent press release indicates that the agency has increased its efforts to enforce the legislation and put a stop to unlicensed gambling activities within the country.

    The press release states that NRA Executive Director Rumen Spetsov issued over 640 orders to suspend betting platforms operating without the necessary permits in September 2024 alone.

    Once an order has been issued, the casino in question is expected to stop all operations within three days. Should the operator fail to comply, the matter will be escalated to the courts. When this happens, internet service providers (ISPs) will block access to these websites.

    The NRA has made its enforcement efforts public, which makes it easy for the public to keep watch and stay up to date with all the latest developments and efforts. Transparency builds trust and keeps residents better informed. All the agency’s decisions and all results from court rulings are available via the online gambling section on the NRA’s website.

    There is an up-to-date register, which includes all the gambling websites that are operating in the region without proper licensing. Which also makes it easier for avid online casino players to know which platforms they would be smart to avoid, considering these sites are non-compliant.

    Aside from its own actions and dedication to the task at hand, the NRA has also called on the public, encouraging them to actively participate in the regulatory efforts of identifying and stopping illegal gambling websites.

    Users who come across any platforms that don’t carry the correct licensing can email all the details of the platform along with its internet provider directly to the agency.

    Changing regulations

    It’s been a busy year for Bulgaria in terms of its online gambling regulations and changes surrounding betting activities. In fact, the industry has seen a number of significant changes to Bulgaria's online gambling regulations in 2024.

    Some of the regulatory updates include its advertising ban, additional fees, increased capital requirements for potential licensees, behavioural limits, and the expansion of the self-exclusion register.

    The advertising ban specifically has been a hot topic of debate and cause for concern. Many are concerned that the ban will undermine media independence and impact revenue on media while increasing illegal gambling activities, which is ultimately one of the biggest issues Bulgaria is currently tackling. The ban includes all media forms, and anyone who refuses to comply can face fines of up to BGN 50,000.

    All the most recent changes in Bulgaria have been aimed at promoting responsible gambling, offering protection to the vulnerable and cleaning up the gambling environment in general.

    BET ON CHANGE

    CasinoWow is committed to promoting responsible gambling beyond reporting the facts!

    Our short documentary BET ON CHANGE is filmed in Bulgaria. It shows the realities of gambling addiction through interviews with those affected, inspiring stories of recovery, and insights from psychologists and industry experts working to prevent addiction.

    Watch BET ON CHANGE and join our movement for responsible gambling!

    Leave us a review on Trustpilot!

    Published: November 27, 2024

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    Deni avatar image

    Article by Deni

    CasinoWow Contributor

    Hi, I’m Deni and I am here to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about online casinos and games and, of course, have fun while doing it. I do so through in-depth research and a keen eye for detail resulting in comprehensive reviews and engaging articles. Let’s explore the iGaming world together!

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