Bulgaria’s National Revenue Agency (NRA) has recently conducted a rigorous enforcement campaign targeting unlicensed online gambling operations. As part of this initiative, the NRA took action to block access to more than 150 gambling websites during the current month. The primary objective of this crackdown is to curb illegal gambling activities within the country.
NRA’s Regulatory Role:
The NRA, which assumed responsibility for gambling regulation in Bulgaria in 2020, has been actively working to combat unlicensed gambling within its jurisdiction.
While the NRA did not specify the names of the blocked websites, it did reveal that the majority of them lacked licenses issued by European Union authorities.
The NRA issued a three-day ultimatum to suspend access to these websites voluntarily. If they remained accessible beyond this period, the NRA would seek a High Court order to compel internet service providers (ISPs) to block them.
Anti-Money Laundering Measures:
In a related development, the NRA will oversee a newly established unit dedicated to enforcing anti-money laundering (AML) measures among gambling operators operating in Bulgaria.
This specialized unit will closely monitor various aspects of gambling operations, including transactions and customer activities flagged as suspicious. It will also facilitate the sharing of pertinent information with international authorities.
Key areas of focus for the AML unit include customer verification, documentation requirements, and assessments of money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
Leadership Changes at Bulgarian Sports Totalizator:
In a separate announcement, Dimitar Iliev, the Minister for Youth and Sports in Bulgaria, disclosed the appointment of Georgi Tarlekov as the Executive Director and Chair of the Management Board for the state gambling operator, the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator.
Tarlekov has assumed these roles as part of an interim arrangement and will continue in this capacity until a formal competition process is conducted.
Additionally, two members of the board have been replaced, with Rada Gyonova and Petar Peychev assuming new positions.
Georgi Tarlekov, a finance professional with master’s degrees in management, marketing, banking, and finance, previously served as an adviser to Minister Iliev, primarily focusing on financial matters.
The NRA’s proactive measures to block unlicensed gambling websites underscore Bulgaria’s commitment to enforcing gambling regulations and combatting illicit gambling operations. The establishment of an AML enforcement unit further reinforces the country’s efforts to ensure the integrity of its gambling industry. Additionally, leadership changes within the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator indicate a commitment to enhancing the management and oversight of state-operated gambling activities. These developments collectively reflect Bulgaria’s dedication to maintaining a regulated and transparent gambling sector.