Bulgaria bans self-excluded from working in casinos

According to the update from the agency, employers that violate this rule will face a sanction of up to BGN20,000 (£8,800/€10,200/$11,200), as stated in Bulgarian gambling law.

The announcement comes in the wake of inquiries into whether employers can hire individuals who are on the self-exclusion register.

The NRA clarified that operators must comply with the Gambling Act in this regard, even if the individual is working rather than playing at a gambling venue.

Bulgarian gambling law prohibits people who are on the register from entering a gaming hall or casino. It also bars entry to people in uniform, people under the age of 18 and those who are armed.

Those without identification and anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol are also not allowed to enter.

Bulgaria gambling self-exclusion register

Following a two-year hiatus – due to legislative changes – the Bulgarian self-exclusion list resumed operation from mid-December 2022.

Individuals who want to sign onto the list can enter a specific period in which their access to gambling services will be suspended, with a minimum time of two years.

People can apply for their name to be taken from the list prior to this period, but this involves the approval of the NRA’s executive director.

The list is not public and only a limited number of individuals at the NRA have access to the full list, as well as gambling operators.

The government announced in April 2023 that 7,200 had applied to be on the list since December 2022.