Bulgaria to raise gambling taxes in 2024

In Bulgaria from 1 January 2024 will increase taxes for gambling operators. The relevant decision was taken recently by the Parliament of the country in the framework of the adoption of the budget for 2024.

In particular, the cost of a five-year licence for land-based casino operators will increase from 100 thousand leva to 300 thousand leva. Also, the cost of a licence for operators of slot machine halls will rise three times. If the gambling establishment is located in a town with a population of up to 500 thousand people, the cost of the licence will be 75 thousand leva. If the population of the city exceeds 500 thousand people, the licence will cost 150 thousand leva. In addition, from 500 to 800 leva will be raised the fees for each gaming machine, which are paid by operators every three months.

An even bigger increase in the cost of licences awaits online gambling operators. For a five-year licence it will be necessary to pay 400 thousand leva instead of 100 thousand leva.

Also, the tax on income of gambling operators will be raised from 15% to 20%.

The authorities expect that the increase in taxes on gambling business will bring an additional 200 million leva. This will allow to keep the budget deficit at 3%, which is a requirement for the country's transition from levs to euros in 2025.

Representatives of the gambling industry have strongly criticised the tax increase, noting that it will lead to the bankruptcy of a number of gambling companies and reduce budget revenues.