Market In Review, Part Two: Bulgaria In Brief with Rumen Spetsov

This is the continuation and part two of the interview with Roumen Spetsov, Director General of the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (NRA), where we look at the country’s potential to fend off the black market, foster international collaboration, and be a trend setter in the new year. 

You are continuously strengthening control over the black market operating in the country. Can you give us a more detailed overview of your work so far?

Control over the black market in the gambling sector in Bulgaria is an important priority for the regulatory authorities. The main areas of action so far include:

• Strengthened checks and inspections
  
  Regulators conduct regular checks of physical sites and online platforms. The inspections aim to identify unlicensed operators and prevent illegal activity.
• Cooperation with law enforcement authorities
  
  There is active cooperation with the police and the prosecutor’s office to investigate cases of illegal gambling. Organising joint operations is a common practice.
• Educational campaigns
  
  Part of the efforts are aimed at raising public awareness about the risks of the black market. Educational campaigns emphasise the importance of playing with licensed operators and the dangers of illegal platforms.
• New technologies
  
  The use of technologies for monitoring and analysing online gambling activities helps to detect unlicensed platforms. Regulators are implementing tools to monitor traffic and transactions.

• Licensing and sanctions
  
  Operator licenses include obligations to comply with regulations. Imposing strict sanctions on unlicensed operators is also an important part of the control strategy.
• Legal changes
  
  Adapting legislation to facilitate the fight against the black market. Regulators are working to improve the legal frameworks to impose more serious consequences on violators.

In conclusion, the work of controlling the black market in gambling is in continuous development and requires cooperation between different institutions and stakeholders. The aim is not only to protect legal businesses, but also to ensure a safe and responsible environment for players.

You have recently attended several global gambling conferences. Is there anything specific from other jurisdictions that you would like to see implemented in Bulgaria?

Many innovations and practices from different jurisdictions are discussed at such conferences that could be useful for Bulgaria. Here are a few ideas that I would like to see implemented in our country:

• Integrated regulatory systems

Many jurisdictions have centralised gambling monitoring platforms that integrate data from different operators. This could help to better track illegal activities and increase the effectiveness of control. Currently, we only have such a system in place for online operators, and the same could be further developed and include all operators.

• Responsible gaming programs

Successful responsible gaming practices, including self-monitoring tools and support platforms, can be adapted and implemented in Bulgaria. Such programs offer resources and information to players, which could reduce the risks of addiction.

• Social responsibility of operators

Models implemented in other countries, encouraging operators to invest in social initiatives and projects related to the prevention of gambling addictions, could also be beneficial in our country.

• Innovations in technology

The implementation of new technologies, such as blockchain for transparency and security of transactions, or AI for data analysis and player behaviour, can improve gambling governance and increase consumer trust.

• Educational initiatives

Some jurisdictions are conducting successful educational campaigns targeting the public and young people about the risks of gambling. These approaches can be adapted in Bulgaria to raise awareness.

We are working in this direction, for example, this year we launched the joint campaign of the NRA and the Customs Agency – “You are not alone”, which focuses on informing adolescents about the risks associated with gambling addiction by the NRA, (by the Customs Agency – about the risks of drug use), as well as promoting fun, safe and personality-developing alternatives for leisure time such as sports, music, theater and other arts.

Through it, we want to implement prevention among as many young people as possible, informing them about problem gambling.

Is the NRA open to cooperation and harmonisation of practices with other regulators? Can you give us some relevant examples?

The National Revenue Agency (NRA) in Bulgaria has demonstrated interest in cooperation and harmonisation of practices with other regulators, especially in the context of combating illegal gambling and increasing the efficiency of tax revenues. Here are some examples of such cooperation:

• Information exchange

The NRA actively participates in international networks for information exchange with regulators from other countries. This allows for sharing of good practices and analysis of data related to gambling activities.

• Events and conferences

The NRA participates in international conferences and workshops, where it discusses current topics and challenges with representatives of other jurisdictions. This provides an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and strategies.

• Joint projects

Some regulators from the European Union organize joint projects and initiatives aimed at raising the standards of regulation and control in the gambling sector.

The NRA is part of such initiatives, which include training and working groups, e.g. with the Dutch regulator, under an agreement between the finance ministries of Bulgaria and the Netherlands, etc.

• Technological solutions

There are examples of cooperation with other jurisdictions on the implementation of new technologies for monitoring and controlling gambling activities, which could be beneficial for increasing the efficiency of the NRA.

What are your priorities for 2025?

Priorities for 2025 in the Bulgarian gambling sector may include the following key areas:

• Strengthening the regulatory frameworkWorking to update and improve legislation to increase transparency and effectiveness of regulation, especially in the context of online gambling.
• Combating the black marketExpanding efforts to control and monitor illegal gambling activities, including better cooperation with law enforcement and international agencies.
• Supporting responsible gamingDeveloping new initiatives and programs to promote responsible gaming, including educational campaigns and player self-assessment tools.
• Technological innovationInvesting in new technologies to improve gambling security, monitoring and governance, including the implementation of blockchain and artificial intelligence solutions.
• Social ResponsibilityIncreasing the commitment of operators to social initiatives and financing projects related to the prevention of gambling addiction and support for vulnerable groups.
• Education and AwarenessImproving public awareness about the risks of gambling and the benefits of gaming in licensed operators, through active campaigns and training programs.