Bulgaria’s gambling industry associations have mounted a coordinated opposition to a legislative proposal that would raise the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21, calling the bill unconstitutional and warning it could push young adults toward unlicensed operators.
The Proposal
There Is Such a People (ITN), a Bulgarian political party, has submitted amendments to the Gambling Act that would prohibit individuals under 21 from participating in land-based and online gambling. The proposal is pending a first reading in the 51st National Assembly.
ITN framed the measure as a public health and social development initiative.
“The proposed changes relate to both land-based and online gambling. We believe that this will contribute to the correct development of our young citizens, who will be occupied with activities other than those leading to heightened risks of addiction and negative impact on their lives.”
No impact assessment has been published alongside the draft amendments.
Industry Pushback
Four organisations have issued a joint position opposing the bill: the Gambling Industry Association, the Bulgarian Gaming Association, the Bulgarian Association of Gambling Activities, and the Coalition of Gambling Providers.
The groups are calling on lawmakers to reject the proposal at first reading, citing constitutional concerns and the absence of a regulatory impact analysis.
“We insist that the draft not be considered on its merits and that it be rejected at first reading, as it is unconstitutional, economically and socially inexpedient, and was prepared without the necessary impact analysis.”
The associations raised a specific constitutional objection: that Bulgarian law already recognises 18-year-olds as adults with full civic rights, including the right to vote.
“If the constitution considers those who are 18 years of age to be mature enough to choose who governs the country and have their say on important societal questions, it is then only logical for them to also be able to decide whether or not they participate in gambling.”
Black Market Risk
Beyond the constitutional argument, the industry groups warned of a channelisation problem. Raising the minimum age to 21 would exclude adults aged 18 to 20 from licensed platforms, which operators argue would not eliminate demand but shift it to unlicensed alternatives.
The concern is consistent with patterns seen elsewhere in Europe. In the Netherlands, tightening access and advertising restrictions have contributed to a channelisation rate that fell below 50% in the first half of 2025, according to the KSA. Germany’s betting sector has raised similar concerns, with operators warning that stricter conditions drive activity to the black market.
The bill’s progress through the 51st National Assembly will depend on whether the parliamentary majority moves it to a substantive reading, or whether the industry’s constitutional objections gain traction among lawmakers before that stage.
Source: Gambling Industry Association, Bulgarian Gaming Association, Bulgarian Association of Gambling Activities, Coalition of Gambling Providers
