Bulgaria Approves Draft Amendments Expanding Gaming Licensing to Include eSports and Fantasy Sports
The Bulgarian Council of Ministers has approved draft amendments to the Gaming Act designed to broaden the regulatory scope of the State Commission on Gambling. The changes aim to incorporate emerging forms of gambling and gaming activities that have grown in popularity and technological complexity. Specifically, the legislation intends to bring eSports competitions, fantasy sports, games of skill played online for prizes, and contests that require players to stake money under regulatory oversight and licensing requirements. This move reflects the government’s response to evolving digital gaming markets and concerns around proper regulation and player protection. The draft amendment was adopted as a result of a governmental decision on November 14, 2023. By expanding the list of activities subject to the licensing regime, the State Commission on Gambling will be able to supervise these new forms of gaming within Bulgaria’s jurisdiction, signaling a closer alignment with global trends in gaming regulation.