Contents
- The register is maintained by the National Revenue Agency and allows anyone who considers that they have a gambling problem to exclude themselves voluntarily from gambling.
- Registration is free of charge, requires no medical document and is applied for in person or electronically with a qualified electronic signature.
- From 27 March 2025, the minimum registration period is one year and cannot be shortened.
- From 1 January 2025, the National Revenue Agency also registers certain vulnerable persons ex officio, and operators, including online ones, must refuse them access.
The register of persons with gambling addiction, also known as the register of persons vulnerable to gambling, is part of the responsible gambling measures in Bulgaria. It allows individuals to exclude themselves voluntarily from gambling for a specified period, or to be registered ex officio in circumstances provided for by law. It was established and is maintained by the National Revenue Agency under Art. 10d of the Gambling Act.
This measure provides legal protection for people with a gambling problem and imposes clear obligations on gambling operators to refuse registered persons access both to physical venues (casinos, gaming halls) and to online gambling platforms.
Who Is Entitled to Register?
Art. 10c(3) and (4) of the Gambling Act provide as follows.
“Any person who considers that they have a gambling problem may be entered in the register, as may persons whose social situation and/or income level may make them more susceptible to gambling and to developing a gambling addiction.”
This means that registration is possible without a medical certificate. A person's own assessment is sufficient to start the self-exclusion procedure.
Registration and Self-Exclusion Procedure
The self-exclusion procedure is set out in Art. 10d(3).
“Entry in the register under paragraph 1 shall be made on the basis of a written request in the prescribed form submitted by the person or their representative to the Executive Director of the National Revenue Agency or to an official authorised by them, or ex officio under Art. 10f(2).”
The application may be filed
- in person at a National Revenue Agency office;
- electronically, with a qualified electronic signature, by email to nap@nra.bg.
The form is available on the National Revenue Agency website. The procedure is free of charge, and registration takes effect from the date on which it is made.
Minimum Registration Period
Until March 2025, the minimum self-exclusion period was 30 days. Under the amendments in force from 27 March 2025, it has been extended to at least one year. Removal from the register before this period has elapsed is not possible.
The purpose of the change is to strengthen the preventive effect and to avoid a quick return to gambling.
What Happens After Registration?
After registration, the National Revenue Agency notifies all licensed gambling operators. Art. 10e(3) provides as follows.
“The organisers of gambling games under paragraph 1 shall not admit persons entered in the register to participate in the games they organise.”
This obligation also covers online gambling websites. Operators in breach are liable to penalties.
Access to Information and Data Protection
The register is not public. Access is restricted to officials of the National Revenue Agency and authorised employees of gambling operators, who may check data only on a specific person attempting to take part in a game. The register holds names, personal identification number or foreigner's personal number, the period and date of registration and the grounds for registration.
Ex Officio Registration – a New Protective Measure
From 1 January 2025, Art. 10f(1) of the Gambling Act introduces ex officio registration for
“(1) persons receiving monthly social assistance under Art. 12(1)(1) of the Social Assistance Act; (2) persons with mental disorders entered in the register under Art. 147a of the Health Act; (3) persons placed under guardianship.”
In these cases, registration is made on the initiative of the National Revenue Agency on the basis of data from other institutions. Removal is permitted only when the grounds cease to exist.
What the Case Law Says
Decisions of administrative courts confirm that
- the minimum registration period is mandatory and cannot be shortened;
- operators act lawfully when they refuse access to registered persons;
- in ex officio registration, where the data comes from a competent authority, the National Revenue Agency acts within its powers.
This case law shows that registration has a stable legal effect and is difficult to set aside.
Registration in the register of persons with gambling addiction is an effective and accessible measure for limiting the risk of gambling addiction. It may be voluntary or ex officio, follows a clear statutory procedure, offers safeguards for personal data and has significant legal consequences. The extended minimum period and the new possibility of ex officio registration strengthen its preventive function.
For questions relating to registration, removal or appeals against the acts of the competent authorities, our [administrative law](/uslugi/administrativno-pravo) team can assist you.
Frequently asked questions
Who can be entered in the register of persons with gambling addiction?
Anyone who considers that they have a gambling problem, as well as persons whose social situation or income makes them more susceptible to gambling addiction. No medical certificate is required.
How is the application filed?
By a written request in the prescribed form to the Executive Director of the National Revenue Agency, in person at an office of the Agency or electronically with a qualified electronic signature. The procedure is free of charge, and registration takes effect from the date on which it is made.
Can I be removed from the register before one year has elapsed?
No. From 27 March 2025, the minimum period is one year and removal before then is not possible. The case law confirms that the period cannot be shortened.
Is the register public?
No. Access is restricted to officials of the National Revenue Agency and authorised employees of gambling operators, who check a specific person attempting to take part in a game.
