Previously, those registered to Bulgaria’s self-exclusion programme could block licensed gambling sites for as little as 30 days. However, an amendment to the Gambling Act means players must now self-exclude for at least one year.
The change in regulation came into effect on 27 March and is now being enforced by the NRA. All operators licensed in the country are required to comply with the new minimum exclusion period.
Bulgaria’s self-exclusion programme nears 54,000 members
To date, almost 54,000 people have opted into Bulgaria’s self-exclusion programme. To do so, players must submit a request to the NRA, either in-person at an approved NRA office or online.
Players wanting to take themselves off the list and resume playing must apply directly to the NRA. They cannot do so unless their period of exclusion has ended, or they are within the first 30 days of first registering.
The actual self-exclusion list is not public but gambling operators must ensure players who are registered are not permitted to gamble. Should they become aware of a self-excluded consumer gambling, they should report them immediately to the NRA.
Operators must ban self-excluded staff
The list also extends to people who work for gambling operators. In August 2023, the NRA mandated that operators ban self-excluded employees from entering a casino or gambling hall.
At the time, the NRA clarified licensees must comply with the Gambling Act, even if an individual is working rather than playing at a gambling venue.
People in uniform, people under the age of 18 and those who are armed are also not able to enter gambling premises. This ban extends to those without identification and anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Bulgaria’s self-exclusion scheme was set up several years ago. However, it took a two-year hiatus due to legislative changes, resuming operations in mid-December 2022.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/bulgaria-increases-minimum-gambling-self-exclusion/
