Online betting in Bulgaria has gone through a long journey from the days of prohibition to the legalization and strict regulation of the industry. Before 1993, gambling was completely banned in Bulgaria, like many other countries that were once part of the former Soviet Union. However, this transformation began in 2008 when online betting became legal, and the Bulgarian government officially regulated this activity in 2012 through the Gambling Act. The adjustment continued into 2013 with new regulations, making it more convenient for international and domestic betting companies. Despite this, players still face some restrictions when accessing unlicensed websites. This has led to a competitive and rich Bulgarian online betting market where players can enjoy a wide variety of offers and services. Today, win betting tips learn about the top 5 Bulgarian betting sites through the article below!
Is online betting legal in Bulgaria?
Gambling in Bulgaria was generally illegal until 1993, as in its neighboring countries that were formerly part of the Soviet Union. Online gambling, in particular, became legalized in 2008 and was regulated by the government through gambling legislation four years later, in 2012.
However, even after online gambling was legalized, many websites were restricted and inaccessible in Bulgaria because they lacked the necessary licenses to operate within the country or accept Bulgarian customers.
This is partly due to the Bulgarian government imposing high fees to regulate online gambling. The scenario changed in 2013 when the Gambling Reform Bill proposed regulation changes, meaning gambling companies would only be required to pay a one-time licensing fee and a certain percentage of revenue as tax.
Since that change, some gambling websites have applied for licenses and have operated in Bulgaria (or accepted Bulgarian bettors). It must be noted, however, that there are still quite a few large-scale gambling websites that do not have sufficiently verified information, thus limiting Bulgarian bettors from gambling with them.
Bulgarian bettors are allowed to gamble as long as they are at least 18 years old. Similar to some other countries, the government does not impose any taxes on winnings from local or international gambling websites.
Top 5 Bulgarian betting sites
1. W88
The Bulgarian betting site W88 is a reputable and popular online betting platform, offering a wide range of diverse betting and entertainment services for users. W88 stands out not only for its extensive sports betting options, including football, basketball, tennis, and e-sports, but also for its high-class online casino with games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and exciting slot machines. Players can also participate in poker games with various levels and tournaments, suitable for all skill levels and preferences. The website interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate and use, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for players.
In addition to offering diverse betting options, W88 also focuses on providing attractive promotions and special offers for users. These programs not only give players more chances to win but also add excitement and intensity to each bet. The W88 customer support service operates 24/7, always ready to answer any questions and provide timely assistance to players, ensuring a safe, fair, and transparent betting environment. With a commitment to enhancing user experience and building a professional online betting community, W88 has become the top choice for many bettors in Bulgaria and worldwide.
2. FUN88
The Bulgarian betting site FUN88 is a trusted and beloved online betting platform, offering a wide range of top-notch betting and entertainment services. FUN88 stands out with its diverse sports betting options, including football, basketball, tennis, horse racing, and many other sports. Additionally, the site features a rich online casino with games like baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and modern slot machines. The FUN88 interface is professionally designed and user-friendly, making it easy for players to access and enjoy services smoothly.
FUN88 also focuses on delivering attractive promotions and special offers for players. These programs not only increase the chances of winning but also bring fun and memorable experiences. Moreover, the FUN88 customer support service operates 24/7, ready to answer any questions and assist players in a dedicated and professional manner. With a commitment to providing a safe, transparent, and fair betting environment, FUN88 has established its position and become the preferred choice for many bettors in Bulgaria and worldwide.
3. Bet365
Bet365 is a renowned online betting site, offering a variety of betting options from sports to online casino games. Established in 2000 in the UK by Denise Coates, Bet365 quickly became one of the world's leading bet bookmaker. The site offers thousands of sports events to bet on every day, including football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and many other sports. Additionally, Bet365 features a rich online casino with games like blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. Users can access Bet365 from mobile devices via the app or the compatible website, providing convenience for betting from anywhere.
The Bet365 version for Bulgarian users is tailored to the Bulgarian language, making it easier for locals to access and use Bet365 services. This version offers the same betting and online casino options as the original Bet365. However, the interface and content have been translated into Bulgarian to serve customers in the region. Bulgarian users can easily access Bet365 to bet on their favorite sports or join casino games without any language barriers. Bet365 Bulgaria provides a convenient and enjoyable online betting experience for players in the area.
4. 22Bet
22Bet is a popular online betting site known for its diversity in sports betting and online casino products. Founded in 2017, 22Bet quickly gained the attention of international players thanks to its rich betting options and quality user experience. The site offers betting services for the most popular sports such as football, basketball, tennis, horse racing, and even esports, allowing users to place pre-match or live bets. Additionally, 22Bet attracts customers with enticing promotions and bonuses for both new and existing users, enhancing the betting experience.
Beyond sports betting, 22Bet also boasts a diverse online casino with hundreds of games from renowned providers. These games include various versions of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and numerous slot machines. Players can enjoy online casino games from many famous developers right on the 22Bet platform. The highlights of 22Bet are its user-friendly interface, rich betting options, multilingual support, and numerous payment methods. These factors make 22Bet an appealing choice for online betting enthusiasts worldwide.
5. Megapari
Megapari prides itself on having a robust sports betting platform, continuously developing to meet customer needs. The Megapari betting site is an ideal destination for sports betting enthusiasts, offering a vast and dynamic market. At megapari.com, players will receive a welcome bonus of 100% of the deposit value, up to €100, along with a variety of sports events such as football, tennis, volleyball, and handball.
Megapari payment methods are diverse. They support options such as VISA, Mastercard, Skrill, and Neteller, as well as cryptocurrencies, ensuring convenience and flexibility for players. With a minimum deposit of just 10 EUR and a minimum withdrawal of 20 EUR, Megapari makes it easy for everyone to participate.
Megapari's strength is its attractive betting options, covering various football leagues such as the Bulgarian Professional Football League. Moreover, the Megapari mobile website is well-designed, allowing players to access it easily anytime in their native language. With these outstanding features, Megapari deserves to be one of the top choices for online betting enthusiasts.
FAQs About Bulgarian Betting Sites
What offers can I claim at Bulgarian betting sites?
Betting sites licensed in Bulgaria often offer welcome bonuses along with many other special offers. International bookmakers often offer a wider variety of promotions, including special events, loyalty programs, cashback offers, and more.
Can I bet in Bulgaria?
In theory, online betting is only legal when you choose sites licensed by Bulgarian regulators. Although gambling laws make betting on international sites illegal, there are no penalties for players. If you're wondering, check out our list of the best Bulgarian legal betting sites and houses.
Is it possible to send money via PayPal in Bulgaria?
Yes, PayPal is available in countries with close supervision by national gambling authorities, such as the UK. Bulgaria also does this, so you can use PayPal at all the top sports betting sites in Bulgaria.
Can I bet on live matches in Bulgaria?
Yes, sports betting sites in Bulgaria often offer live-streaming services for major events, including professional football leagues. If you can't find a local website that offers this service, you can look to international websites that meet your requirements.
Can I bet on elections at Bulgarian bookmakers?
There are no regulations prohibiting you from using a betting site in Bulgaria to bet on elections and political events. If in doubt, you can consult international bookmakers, which have this service.
Conclusion
Looking back at the development and legalization of online betting in Bulgaria, it is clear that the government has made efforts to create a safe and transparent betting environment for players. Although there are still some barriers, with clear reforms and regulations, the online betting market in Bulgaria is growing and expanding. By participating in Bulgarian betting sites, Bulgarian players not only have the opportunity to experience a wide range of betting services from licensed bookmakers in the country but also from reputable international sites. The combination of strict laws and attractive incentives is creating a level playing field for betting enthusiasts in Bulgaria.
See also: Top 5 betting sites Belgium in 2024
