Bulgaria has put forward a significant reform to its Gambling Act that would cap the net fees payment facilitators can retain from gambling transactions at 1.5%.
The proposed rule targets banks, payment institutions, and e-money companies that process gambling-related payments within the country’s financial infrastructure.
Under the draft provisions, any fees, commissions, or other forms of remuneration charged above the 1.5% threshold would be redirected directly into the state budget.
The measure applies specifically to two categories of gambling-related payments: deposits made by players and payouts of winnings processed by financial providers.
Analysts have noted this represents a novel fiscal instrument within the European Union, as it targets the national payments infrastructure rather than the gambling operator layer itself.
Most EU markets that regulate gambling payments tend to focus restrictions or obligations on operators, making Bulgaria’s approach a relatively unusual regulatory direction for the bloc.
Payment providers operating in Bulgaria would also face mandatory monthly declarations and record-keeping duties if the proposal is adopted into law.
These reporting requirements are designed to give authorities ongoing visibility into the fees being charged across gambling-related payment services throughout the country.
Policymakers behind the draft have stated that the measure would assign greater responsibility to entities that earn revenue by facilitating gambling-related transactions.
Bulgaria’s impact assessment supporting the proposal links the reform to the high volume of gambling transactions recorded in the country and the higher-risk classification typically attached to gambling payments.
The public consultation period on the proposed amendment to the Gambling Act remains open until 23 October, giving industry stakeholders and financial providers an opportunity to submit feedback.
If adopted, the reform would mark a meaningful shift in how Bulgaria regulates the financial ecosystem surrounding gambling, placing new compliance obligations squarely on payment facilitators rather than operators alone.
