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Bulgaria Enforces Mandatory Affiliate Licensing and 10% Revenue Tax

Bulgaria’s National Revenue Agency (NRA) has officially brought into full effect a comprehensive licensing framework for iGaming affiliates, requiring marketing companies, streaming channels, and promotional partners targeting the Bulgarian market to obtain an official regulatory permit. Introduced under recent amendments to the Gambling Act in conjunction with the 2026 National Budget, the new regime establishes clear operational standards and mandatory registration for all commercial affiliate entities active in the jurisdiction.

Under the updated regulatory rules, affiliate businesses must submit a detailed declaration to the Gambling Office of the NRA, outlining all active web portals, mobile applications, social media channels, and streaming platforms used for promotional activities. The framework introduces a two-tiered fiscal structure comprising a €6,000 fixed annual fee alongside a 10% variable tax levied on performance-linked affiliate commissions, such as registered player accounts and first-time deposits. Foreign entities operating without a local corporate presence are required to appoint an authorized representative domiciled in Bulgaria to handle regulatory oversight and legal correspondence.

The Ministry of Finance anticipates generating €100m in supplementary tax revenue in 2026, rising to €150m by 2027, as part of a broader state initiative to curb the unregulated gambling market. For licensed online casino and sportsbook operators, the new regulations necessitate immediate compliance audits across external partner networks. The NRA has been granted extensive enforcement authority, including issuing domain blocking orders against unlicensed marketing portals and directing financial institutions and payment service providers to halt transactions to non-compliant affiliate businesses.

For further regulatory details and market updates, visit the official report on SBC News.