Top-rated eSports gambling sites in Bulgaria

Gambling is a treasured activity in Bulgaria. Bulgarian punters can play their favorite casino games in land-based or online casinos as long as they are 18. Online gambling is predominantly more popular among Bulgarians for its numerous benefits than land-based establishments. These include access to a wider variety of games and betting markets, easy accessibility to various casinos, and privacy, among many others.

Because of the increasing popularity of online betting in the country, many gambling operators have set up their businesses in response to the ready market. International gambling sites also target Bulgarian punters and market their gambling services, giving them a more comprehensive array of options to consider. Punters usually have different preferences and needs. Thus, no particular casino can be affirmed as the best choice for all Bulgarian players. A few considerations go a long way in aiding punters to choose their preferred casinos, with licensing, user-friendliness, payment options, and the range of betting markets offered topping the list.

Top-rated eSports gambling sites in Bulgaria
Liam Fletcher
Written byLiam FletcherWriter
Researched byHaruki NakamuraResearcher

When considering the betting markets, eSports should be a priority. eSports games have become popular among Bulgarians in recent years, which explains why they feature prominently in most mainstream casinos. However, many still focus only on the most popular eSports titles and tournaments. Punters should thus ensure that the particular eSports games and tournaments they enjoy are featured.

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History of esports betting in Bulgaria

History of esports betting in Bulgaria

eSports betting began in Bulgaria during the late 1990s. However, only a few operators covered eSports markets. The main reason for the limited coverage was that the eSports gaming world was still underdeveloped, with very few reputable organizations running eSports tournaments. All forms of online gambling were also illegal at the time. The popularity of eSports betting thus grew very gradually.

In 2008, online casinos were legalized in Bulgaria. Online eSports betting sites thus began operating legally within the country but under an established legislative framework. eSports gaming was quite popular. A variety of attractive and entertaining games had been introduced, according punters more betting options. Technology had also advanced such that more punters were able to access eSports casinos. Most casino operators began offering eSports betting markets, which attracted the curiosity of most punters.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bulgarian punters had limited betting options. Most of the regular sports matches and tournaments were canceled or postponed. Most players turned to eSports betting, which was the least affected as tournaments could be played online. eSports betting had the highest popularity growth rate during that period.

Future of esports betting in Bulgaria

Industry experts predict that eSports betting will continue to be an open but regulated gambling market. The growing popularity of eSports betting in Bulgaria will undoubtedly see increased revenues for the government, which can be channeled to critical infrastructural developments in the country.

The raging competition among eSports betting providers is poised to improve the quality of gambling services and products. That will most likely attract more players to this niche market, considering that most bettors are always looking for the best betting deals. The exciting experience offered by most eSports games, which will become even better, will also contribute a lot to more punters betting on eSports.

History of esports betting in Bulgaria
General history of gambling in Bulgaria

General history of gambling in Bulgaria

Gambling has had a long history in Bulgaria, dating back centuries ago. It was mainly unregulated until the 19th century. Written records indicate that formal gambling regulations were first imposed in Bulgaria towards the end of the 19th century. The rules outlawed most forms of gambling, a clear indication that there were several issues surrounding it at the time. Despite the ban, illegal gambling continued to flourish until the 20th century. Most gambling operations took place openly without any repercussions, fueled by the high levels of corruption in the country at the time.

In 1957 the Bulgarian government introduced new laws, making some gambling types legal. Such included the lottery, bingo, monopoly, and sports betting. The Bulgarian Sports Totalisator was also established in the same year. The first casino in Bulgaria, Vitosha, was opened in 1979. However, only tourists were allowed to play in the casino. Locals were forbidden from entering any casino until 1993.

Modern gambling laws were introduced in 1993, which brought about numerous changes in the Bulgarian gambling industry. For example, the licensing system was overhauled, and the local punters were allowed to play in casinos. Anti-money laundering laws were also introduced. In 2008, online gambling was legalized.

General history of gambling in Bulgaria
Significant historical changes

Significant historical changes

The 'turning point' in modern gambling in Bulgaria happened in 1993. The fresh set of legislation massively catapulted the gambling industry into thriving and allowed the government to benefit from it.

The legalization of online gambling in 2008 was also quite significant. That came when online gambling was taking over the gambling industry worldwide. Thanks to that, more than 80% of Bulgarian punters gamble online.

Esports nowadays in Bulgaria

Currently, the Bulgarian government is looking at ways to improve the efficacy of the eSports gambling industry regulations. That indicates a likelihood of changes in the gambling laws in the future, though it is doubtful that gambling will be made illegal.

Significant historical changes
Esports legislation in Bulgaria

Esports legislation in Bulgaria

eSports betting is categorized under online gambling in the Bulgarian Gambling Act 2012. If an online casino has the relevant licenses, the law permits punters above 18 years to bet on video games. The law also allows eSports casino operators to provide gambling services in the country, irrespective of nationality. It is worth noting that casino operators can be based in the country or offshore, but they require licenses, either way, to provide their services to Bulgarian punters.

Requirements for esports betting providers

Like with eSports betting in Czechia, only licensed companies can provide eSports services to Bulgarian punters. In addition, the licensing process is quite rigorous and requires applicants to fulfill several requirements. The State Commission reviews and issues gambling licenses.

All applicants must prove they have enough capital, be registered in the EU, have authorized representatives in Bulgaria, and have specified gaming equipment such as computer systems and software to qualify for a license. The applicant must also have an active bank account in an EU bank and have no criminal record. An application fee is charged to all applicants.

Esports legislation in Bulgaria
Betting acts in Bulgaria

Betting acts in Bulgaria

All forms of betting in Bulgaria are regulated under the Gambling Act of 2012. The State Commission on Gambling is charged with the primary supervisory and regulatory functions. The administrative body works under the Minister of Finance. Some of its roles and responsibilities are issuing licenses to gambling operators, issuing mandatory rules and requirements for providing gambling services, approving software used by online operators, and performing general control and supervision of gambling in the country.

Gambling products

The Bulgarian law specifies all the gambling products that casino operators can offer. Some of them have specific requirements regarding licensing, but the general procedure is similar for all products. The first category of products consists of casino games, including card and table games.

The second category is betting. Betting is further classified into different subcategories, including betting on random events, betting related to knowledge of facts, and sports betting. eSports betting is considered part of sports betting. Other categories are slots and machine gaming, terminal-based gaming, bingo, and lottery.

Gambling taxation

The Bulgarian gambling laws require casino operators to pay corporate income taxes for all generated revenues. The tax paid depends on several factors, including the casino games or betting types offered and the equipment used. The tax thresholds are usually calculated in percentages.

Land-based casinos are liable to pay an additional 15% to the State Commission on Gambling (SCG) monthly as license maintenance fees. For games that pay participation commissions, the casino must also pay 20% of the commission amount to the SCG. Personal income tax is not paid on winnings from gambling games, as per the Individual Incomes Taxes Act of 2006.

Offshore casino operators are not required to pay corporate income taxes unless they own operations or assets in Bulgaria that are considered permanent establishments that attract local taxation. Local servers and representatives do not represent permanent establishments. Online gambling operators' monthly license maintenance fee is 20% of the gross gaming revenue and commission.

Legal developments

Since the Gambling Act of 2012 was adopted, there have been minimal developments related to the gambling laws. Some of the results were on a case-by-case basis, primarily related to enhancing the gambling regulations.

Currently, there are no significant reforms or developments related to the legal framework of gambling in Bulgaria planned. There was an amendments bill to the Gambling Act filed in 2018, which aimed to restrict gambling operators to selling tickets and scratch cards only at specified locations and introduce limitations to advertising gambling games. The parliament never processed the bill further, and it remains unclear whether it will pass it into law in the future.

Betting acts in Bulgaria
Bulgarian players' favorite games

Bulgarian players' favorite games

League of Legends

League of Legends undoubtedly features among the best eSports games of all time. Its popularity has attracted Bulgarian punters, as most eSports punters bet on the game. The gameplay is simple but requires skills and strategies. Punters love it because of its thrill and entertainment and because it is offered by most eSports betting sites. Most gambling sites also provide attractive odds for League of Legends matches.

Overwatch

Overwatch is another popular game internationally, recording up to 800,000 daily recurrent players. The shooter game also records some of the highest numbers of streamers each month. A good percentage of the streamers are usually punters following up on the matches on which they bet. The game is also offered in numerous eSports casinos.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is a tactical shooter game that has been a favorite among Bulgarian punters for a long time. The game's popularity is gradually declining among players as newer eSports games are introduced into the market, but not among punters. Most eSports events usually feature the game, meaning that it is easy to find.

Valorant

Valorant currently boasts of over 700,000 daily active users internationally, which is a testament to its popularity among eSports fans. The free-to-play hero shooter game offers numerous betting opportunities, which most eSports punters usually want.

Bulgarian players' favorite games
Payment methods in Bulgaria

Payment methods in Bulgaria

Bank Cards

Most Bulgarian punters prefer using bank cards to deposit funds to their online eSports betting accounts. About 72% of the adult population in Bulgaria have credit or debit cards. Most punters have easy access to bank cards accepted by the best betting sites in Bulgaria. Making deposits using bank cards is relatively more accessible than most other alternatives as it eliminates the need for transferring funds to an intermediary account.

E-Wallets

E-wallets are the second most popular choice of payment method among Bulgarian punters. There are many e-wallet services available in Bulgaria, which punters can choose from as per their needs. Punters prefer e-wallets mostly because they allow withdrawal of funds from most eSports casinos, unlike many other options. E-wallets are also usually reliable and easy to use.

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are gradually becoming popular among Bulgarian punters. That is primarily because of the high privacy levels the payment method offers. It comes in handy for punters looking to try out new casinos as they do not need to provide their banking information when transacting. Most individuals also consider dealing with most cryptocurrencies as financial investments due to their high volatility.

Bank Transfers

Some Bulgarian punters prefer direct bank transfers when depositing funds to their eSports betting accounts, especially when the deposit amount is high. Direct bank transfers are generally safe and easy to trace. Online banking also makes the process relatively simple.

Payment methods in Bulgaria
FAQs

FAQs

Is eSports betting popular in Bulgaria?

eSports betting is quite popular in Bulgaria, with the market growing quite rapidly each year. That can be proven by the increasing number of online casinos offering eSports betting markets and the revenue generated by the casinos from the eSports categories.

Is it possible to bet on live eSports matches?

Bulgarian punters can bet legally on live eSports matches as per the betting rules set by the provider. They only need to choose the best eSports betting sites in Bulgaria that offer live betting markets to make it possible.

What are the reasons to bet on eSports?

Betting on eSports allows punters to utilize numerous exciting opportunities that most betting sites offer. It also will enable punters to enjoy the excitement and thrill of following the matches on which they bet.

Must punters know about eSports games to bet on them?

It is not mandatory for punters to have any knowledge about eSports games to place bets on them. Most betting sites usually make the betting process as easy as choosing a bet type and preferred odds, which anyone can do. However, having some knowledge of eSports games can help with betting decisions. Punters can also find information from betting guides and tips online to help them make the right bets.

Is it possible to bet on eSports on mobile?

Punters can bet on eSports using their mobile devices, provided they use mobile-friendly betting sites.

FAQs
About the author
Liam Fletcher
Liam Fletcher

Liam "CyberScribe" Fletcher, a Kiwi with a flair for fast-paced gameplay and articulate narratives, has emerged as a prominent voice at EsportRanker. Diving deep into the esports universe, Liam crafts comprehensive reviews, strategic insights, and captivating tales from behind the screens.

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