New Bulgaria bill plans to close more than 600 casinos in radical move
A bill in Bulgaria has been introduced that will see more than 600 gambling halls closed in the country, in an aim to “fight” against gambling addiction.
The bill, introduced by leader of right-wing National Front for Salvation of Bulgaria (NFSB) Valeri Simeonov, would close all casinos and halls, other than a maximum of 10 resorts, which must be within 20km of Bulgaria’s borders, and in 5-star hotels.
That would see 638 casinos and gambling halls closed by the end of 2025.
The bill also states those who can enter casinos, halls or bet online, will be checked by the register of gambling addicts, and that only the state can offer online games in casinos.
Simeonov said the casino closures and restrictions are part of plans against reducing problem gambling in Bulgaria, comparing it to the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: “You know, it’s a pandemic, like the coronavirus. There are cases of suicide, mortgaging the home, loss of everything. This must end.”
The NFSB leader also acknowledged that the bill could be “suicide for the NFSB party” and “huge financial resources will be harnessed” but that “someone has to do it”.
In addition, governing party GERB submitted their own gambling bill, which would replace the existing State Gambling Commission (SGC) with a state gambling agency after top officials were alleged of corruption in February.
GERB proposals would also allow state-owned Bulgarian Sports Totalizator to offer online games.
Bulgarian Gaming Association (BTAGI) chairman Angel Iribozov said the plans will lead to a rise of activity in the unregulated market, and the loss of tax revenue funds for the state.
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