Bulgaria Enforces Licensing for Gambling Affiliate Companies

Bulgaria has placed performance-based gambling affiliates under a formal licensing system, extending regulatory oversight to companies and individuals whose earnings depend on player activity. The requirements entered into force on August 1, 2026, following amendments to the Bulgarian Gambling Act.

The National Revenue Agency (NRA) issued detailed guidance on August 6 explaining how affiliates must comply with the framework. The legislative changes originated in provisions contained in Bulgaria’s 2026 State Budget Act, which added affiliate promotion to the gambling-related activities that require regulatory authorization.

Businesses already operating under performance-linked affiliate agreements faced a short transition period. They had until August 15, 2026, to submit their licensing applications to the NRA.

Affiliate marketing had previously operated outside a dedicated gambling licensing framework in Bulgaria, even though gambling operators themselves already needed regulatory approval. The new rules bring affiliates directly within the country’s regulatory system when their remuneration depends on measurable gambling activity.

Payment Model Determines Licensing Requirement

The way an affiliate receives compensation now determines whether the licensing obligation applies. Individuals and companies must obtain approval when their revenue depends on factors such as player registrations, deposits, wagers, winnings or recruited participants. Other comparable performance-based measures also fall within the scope of the rules.

Fixed-price advertising arrangements remain outside the affiliate licensing framework. This includes promotional services paid through predetermined fees or compensation based on the duration of an advertising agreement rather than player gambling activity.

The rules apply to applicants based inside Bulgaria as well as companies and individuals operating from abroad. Foreign affiliates seeking approval must appoint an authorized representative who has an address in Bulgaria.

Licences remain valid for five years. Affiliates that intend to continue operating after that period must apply for renewal no later than two months before the existing licence expires.

Applicants must disclose all digital channels they use to promote gambling. The required information covers websites and mobile applications, along with social media accounts, video platforms and streaming services. Regulators will include these declared promotional channels in the official licensing documentation.

The NRA expects to process applications within seven days. When an application contains missing information or incomplete documentation, the agency must inform the applicant within three days. The applicant then receives another seven days to correct the deficiencies.

Annual Fee and Commission Charge Apply

Licensed affiliates face both annual and performance-related financial obligations under the framework.

Each affiliate must pay a €6,000 annual licence maintenance fee. The usual payment deadline is March 31. When the NRA grants a licence after that date, the applicant must pay the fee before receiving the licence certificate.

Performance-based commission revenue also attracts a 10% variable charge. Gambling operators that pay affiliate commissions must withhold this amount and transfer it to the NRA. They must report the payments through monthly electronic declarations by the 15th day of the following month.

The legislation also addresses arrangements that conceal the actual amount of commission paid. When authorities determine that a transaction has hidden the genuine commission value, the applicable charge rises to 20% of the concealed amount.

Licensed affiliates may promote only gambling operators that hold an active Bulgarian gambling licence. Promotion of operators without Bulgarian authorization can lead to additional sanctions.

NRA Gains Wider Enforcement Authority

The amended rules give the NRA several measures for dealing with breaches of the licensing requirements.

Businesses that use unlicensed affiliates to advertise gambling can face property sanctions of approximately €5,000 to €20,000. Authorities may double the penalties for repeat violations.

Affiliates that promote gambling companies without Bulgarian licences can receive fines of roughly €3,000 to €10,000. Property sanctions for the same type of violation can range from about €5,000 to €20,000, with repeat offences again carrying the possibility of doubled penalties.

Separate sanctions apply when affiliates breach existing restrictions governing gambling advertising. Depending on the circumstances, individuals may face fines of approximately €2,000 to €5,000, while property sanctions can range from about €3,000 to €8,000.

Authorities may also confiscate funds generated through unlicensed affiliate activity.

Online enforcement forms another part of the new system. The NRA can order access restrictions against websites and applications operated by unlicensed affiliates. Its authority also extends to social media profiles and streaming channels used for unauthorized gambling promotion.

The framework means businesses involved in Bulgarian gambling affiliate marketing must assess how they receive compensation and which operators they promote. Performance-linked agreements now require licensing, while approved affiliates must comply with the new fee structure, reporting duties and promotional restrictions.

Source:

Bulgaria Enforces New Licensing Rules for Gambling Affiliates, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, August 21, 2026