In 2023, AllBets stands out in Bulgaria's online sports betting scene, especially for newcomers finding the iGaming world overwhelming with its many operators and bonuses. Our experts carefully pick top bookmakers, emphasizing safety, quality services, and perks like bonuses and cashback.
We provide easy access to these sportsbooks and detailed reviews about their licenses, sports options, and payment methods. Recognizing the shift to mobile betting, we also guide users on registration and offer thorough reviews of bookmakers' mobile apps. We aim to make sports betting more approachable and enjoyable for Bulgarian bettors.
This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of sports betting in Bulgaria. The Ultimate Guide includes a selection of top Bulgarian betting sites, explores the legal framework governing online betting, highlights popular sports for betting, and provides practical payment method advice, offering an extensive overview for enthusiasts in Bulgaria.
Online betting in Bulgaria has a unique history. Betting was illegal late in the 19th Century. This changed in 1957. During this year, gambling became legal. A significant law was passed in 1998. The law started regulating gambling.
In 2008, Bulgaria made a big move. It issued an official legalization of online gambling. This led to the start of many online betting sites.
In 2012, Bulgaria introduced specific rules for online betting. This was a significant change, making online betting more organized. The online gambling market in Bulgaria has grown fast ever since. In 2020, there were just 6 operators. This number jumped to 16 by 2022. These operators are part of a big market. They were making around 500 million euros annually.
Bulgaria's online betting journey has changed drastically. It has changed from banning betting to having a thriving online gambling industry. It shows how much the betting scene is improving. Today, online sports betting is a significant part of Bulgaria's economy.
How is online betting regulated in Bulgaria?
The Gambling Act controls online betting in Bulgaria. The National Revenue Agency (NRA) is the leading authority for this. They issue licenses and make sure the rules are followed. Companies need a license to run online betting. They can only get a license if they've followed the Gambling Act for five years before applying.
If a website offers betting without a license, the government blocks it. Over 6,000 unlicensed betting websites have been blocked in Bulgaria. But, no other actions are taken against these unlicensed sites.
Online betting is legal if you are over 18. Many known bookmakers with legal online services operate in Bulgaria. This shows a solid and regulated online betting market.
The law also has rules for advertising betting services. These rules are to make sure gambling is promoted responsibly and to protect people from misleading ads.
Bulgaria has clear rules for online betting. The NRA controls everything, from giving licenses to checking if companies follow the law. This makes online betting in Bulgaria safe and well-managed for companies and those who bet.
🌍 Country
Bulgaria
👌 Language
Bulgarian
💲 Currency
Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
⚽ Popular Sports
Tennis, Football, Volleyball, Boxing
⚖️ Is Betting Legal
Yes
🏢 Regulator
The Bulgarian State Commission on Gambling
🧾 Gambling Taxes
20% of gross gaming revenue
💳 Most Popular Payment Methods
PayPal, Neteller, Visa, Bank Transfer
Top 5 best online betting sites in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has many online betting sites. The top 5 are the best. They cover many sports and are easy to use. They offer good chances to win and are safe. You can bet live, watch games, and pay in different ways. These betting sites in Bulgaria are great for both new and experienced bettors.
#1 1xBet
1xbet started in 2007. It is now a favorite place for online betting. They have lots of sports bets. These are spread in over 60000 events every month. This includes football, tennis, basketball, and eSports. 1xbet works with prominent football teams and events. Signing up is easy. There are many ways to pay. This includes modern ways like cryptocurrencies. They have a handy app for phones. The platform is safe because the Government of Curacao says it's okay.
Bonus
Requirements
Minimum Deposit
Method of Deposit
100% up to 205 BGN
New Account
10 BGN
Cards, E-Wallets, Bank Transfers and Prepaid Cards
The new sports betting website 22Bet was launched in 2017. With licenses from Kahnawake Gaming and Curacao, it is secure. There are other methods to pay, including virtual currency. The amount that you can deposit is unlimited. You may also withdraw your money from some bets early with 22Bet.
Bonus
Requirements
Minimum Deposit
Method of Deposit
100% up to 200 BGN
New Account
10 BGN
Cards, E-Wallets, Bank Transfers and Prepaid Cards
MegaPari started in 2020. It gained a reputation as an intriguing online sportsbook quite rapidly. It offers a wide range of sports to bet on, great odds, and unique offers. There are other ways to pay, including with Bitcoin. MegaPari provides a large range of sports betting choices. Part of Marikit Holdings Ltd., it has a license from Curacao eGaming and is secure and fair.
Bonus
Requirements
Minimum Deposit
Method of Deposit
100% up to 200 BGN
New Account
10 BGN
Cards, E-Wallets, Bank Transfers and Prepaid Cards
1bet, operational since 2011, has developed into a robust betting platform. Antillephone N.V. licenses it. 1BET provides a range of sports betting options. The website takes many payment options, including cryptocurrency. 1bet is well-known for its comprehensive coverage, offering more than 1,000 events every day in various sports to appeal to a wide range of bettors.
Bonus
Requirements
Minimum Deposit
Method of Deposit
100% up to 200 BGN
New Account
10 BGN
Cards, E-Wallets, Bank Transfers and Prepaid Cards
20BET was made by people who love sports betting. It has many sports to bet on and fast ways to pay, including digital currencies. Each sports event has over 30 different bets. The site is safe and has a license. It gives many details about each game, making betting fun and informative.
Bonus
Requirements
Minimum Deposit
Method of Deposit
100% up to 200 BGN
New Account
10 BGN
Cards, E-Wallets, Bank Transfers and Prepaid Cards
We ensured the bookmakers were licensed and followed Bulgarian gambling laws. This is important for legal betting and customer safety.
Popular Sports
We considered bookmakers that offer to bet on sports popular in Bulgaria. These include football, volleyball, and basketball.
Payment Methods
Bookmakers must accept standard payment options in Bulgaria, including international and local methods.
Odds and Options
We looked for sites with good odds and various betting markets. This includes live betting features. User Experience: The sites should be easy to use, with customer support available in Bulgarian. A good user experience is crucial.
Bonuses and Promotions
We prefer bookmakers offering attractive bonuses. These must also offer regular Promotions. This adds value to the betting experience.
Reputation
Trustworthiness is vital. We checked user reviews and the bookmakers' history to ensure they are reliable and promote responsible gambling.
How to bet online in Bulgaria?
Here are five steps to bet online in Bulgaria
Verify Age and Legality
step 1
Ensure you are over 18 years old. The betting site you choose is licensed in Bulgaria.
Choose a Licensed Operator
step 2
Select from the licensed operators available in Bulgaria. The top 5 are listed in this article.
Sign Up
step 3
Complete the registration process. This usually involves providing the required information to create your betting account.
Deposit Funds
step 4
Use secure deposit methods to fund your betting account. Ensure your chosen method is quick, secure, and convenient for you.
Place Your Bets
step 5
Navigate the site to place bets on available games or events after your account is funded.
Popular Sports for Betting in Bulgaria
Bulgaria boasts a passionate sporting culture. This enthusiasm extends to the exciting world of sports betting. While various sports capture Bulgarians' interest, four are the most popular choices for placing a wager:
Football
This is the king of Bulgarian sports betting. The Bulgarian First Professional Football League draws fervent support. Additionally, major European leagues attract significant betting activity. The English Premier League attracts many bettors.
Volleyball
Bulgaria has consistently ranked in the volleyball world. The men's national team has participated in numerous Olympic Games. They have also played in the World Championships. The women's team has also achieved international success. This translates to a thriving domestic league – the Bulgarian Volleyball Superleague. It also generates considerable betting interest.
Basketball
Basketball enjoys immense popularity in Bulgaria. This is especially true among younger generations. The National Basketball League features several competitive teams. Many top basketballers compete in this event. Fans of these stars show their support by placing bets. The premier European basketball competition also garners significant betting attention.
Tennis
Bulgaria has produced some of the world's finest tennis. This success has fueled a national passion for the sport. This is reflected in the popularity of tennis betting. Major tournaments like Wimbledon and the Australian Open attract many Bulgarian bettors.
Let us take a quick look at some best new betting sites in Bulgaria.
🏀 1xBet: A new choice in Bulgaria, 1xbet offers many sports for betting, like football and basketball. You can watch live sports on their site and bet during the game. They have easy payment methods, including e-wallets and cryptocurrencies. They process payments fast.
🔥 22Bet: Recently introduced in Bulgaria, 22BET has many sports to bet on. You can deposit as much as you want, with no limit. It's a safe platform, but it doesn't offer live streaming of games.
🌊 MegaPari: A new platform, MegaPari offers various sports, including less common ones like chess and surfing. They have the most betting options available. You can also watch and bet on esports games live.
🏆 1Bet: New in the market, 1bet combines sports betting with live streaming. They offer many payment options, including digital currencies. Their live betting section is exciting, and you can watch multiple games at once through their streaming service.
⭐ 20Bet: A newcomer to Bulgaria, 20BET is known for its wide range of sports and fast payment options, including cryptocurrency. They offer live betting on many sports and provide live streaming for some games, giving you a real-time betting experience.
How popular is mobile betting in Bulgaria?
Mobile betting is rapidly gaining popularity in Bulgaria and is projected to become the dominant channel by 2025. While website usage still held the top spot with $216 million in revenue in 2020, mobile apps are catching up fast, expected to generate over $327 million by 2026.
Factors fueling this rise include increasing smartphone penetration, convenience, and user-friendly apps from major operators like Winbet and Palmsbet. This trend reflects a global shift towards mobile gambling, making Bulgaria no exception to the digital betting revolution.
Best sports betting apps in Bulgaria
Sports betting apps in Bulgaria are easy and flexible for bettors. The top apps work smoothly, cover many sports events, offer live betting, and have safe ways to pay. People can bet, follow odds, and get sports updates anytime. These apps are suitable for both iOS and Android. They are user-friendly and great for all bettors.
1xbet started in 2007 and is now famous worldwide, including Bulgaria. It is safe because the Government of Curacao checks it. You can sign up quickly with just one click. The app lets you pay in many ways, like e-wallets, cards, and digital money. Adding money is fast and free, and you get your winnings in a day. The app shows lots of sports events, over 60,000 every month. You can bet on sports like football, tennis, basketball, and even eSports. The app works on Android and iOS phones. People like it because it is easy to use.
Pluses
Easy "one-click" registration.
Variety of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies.
The 22BET mobile app was made in 2017 by TechSolutions Group Limited in Cyprus. It covers many sports and is easy to use. The app is safe with SSL encryption. It has a live chat for help. You can bet on many sports in 22Bet. It lets you pay with e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, AstroPay, Bitcoin, and Ethereum. You can take out money like you put it in, usually in 2 days.
MegaPari started in 2019. It is run by Vdsoft & Script Development Ltd and has a Curacao license. This app works well on Android and iOS phones, like computers. You can download the MegaPari app from their website. It's great for betting on cricket, especially the Indian Premier League. You can also bet using Telegram and enjoy live betting. But, some people may think the app looks too busy. The app lets you bet on different sports in real-time. It's easy to install, and you might get special bonuses for using it on your phone.
Pluses
Real-time cricket and sports betting.
Easy installation from the website.
Innovative live betting features.
Minuses
Crowded app design.`
How to Deposit at Bulgaria Betting Sites
Bulgaria's online betting scene presents exciting opportunities for sports enthusiasts. To fuel your wagers, it is crucial to understand convenient and popular deposit methods. Here is a breakdown of the most popular options:
Credit/Debit Cards
E-Wallets
Bank Transfers
Mobile Payments
Prepaid Cards
Credit/Debit Cards: These are the classic choice. Visa and Mastercard reign supreme. Deposits with this method are instant. They are also very secure. Many online sports betting platforms support this deposit. Be mindful of potential bank fees, and check if your card allows online gambling transactions.
E-Wallets: Skrill, Neteller, and ePayz offer lightning-fast deposits with user-friendly interfaces. These digital wallets act as intermediaries, shielding your bank details. Some may carry small transfer fees, and not all sites support every e-wallet.
Bank Transfers: A traditional method preferred by some. Choose from direct bank transfers or online options like EasyPay. While processing times might be slower (up to 24 hours), bank transfers often incur no fees. Ensure your chosen to bet site and bank support this method.
Mobile Payments: Some sites accept deposits through mobile operators like Vivacom and Telenor for on-the-go convenience. Funds are instantly deducted from your phone bill, with explicit transaction tracking. However, spending limits and potential additional fees might apply.
Prepaid Cards: Paysafecard, for example, allows cash deposits at designated outlets, generating a PIN used for secure online payments. No bank details are required, offering anonymity and budget control. Remember, prepaid cards typically have lower deposit limits.
Payment Options
Deposit Time
Withdrawal Time
Deposit Limits (BGN)
Withdrawal Limits (BGN)(BRL)
Visa
Instant to 2 hours
Instant to 24 hours
10-5,000
10-5,000
Skrill
Instant to 2 hours
Instant to 24 hours
20-4,000
20-4,000
Bank Transfer
Up to 24 hours
Up to 48 hours
50-10,000
50-10,000
Vivacom
Instant to 2 hours
Instant to 2 hours
10-1,000
20-1,000
Paysafecard
Instant to 2 hours
Not applicable
10-1,000
Not applicable
The Future of Online Betting in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian online betting market has experienced remarkable growth. Its number of operators expanding from six in 2020 to 16 by 2022. This indicates a robust two-digit growth rate.
This surge is primarily attributed to significant events such as the revocation of licenses from major market players in 2020 and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which catalyzed a shift towards online gambling.
The market, predominantly local but with many operators having foreign end-owners, is projected to continue growing, with an estimated increase of 6.82% from 2023 to 2028, reaching a market volume of US$79.09 million by 2028.
Since 1957, gambling has been legal in Bulgaria, with online betting being regulated adequately since 2012, thus legalizing sports betting and fostering a conducive environment for the industry's expansion.
Responsible Play in Sports Betting in Bulgaria
Responsible gambling in sports betting is increasingly essential. This is due to the accessibility of online betting platforms. Gambling addiction disrupts daily life relationships. This addiction progresses through stages that can lead to severe consequences.
Betting companies and organizations have implemented responsible gambling policies to combat this issue. These include self-exclusion tools, betting limits, and providing resources and information to help bettors. It's recognized that sportsbooks don't solely cause gambling addiction, as many provide tools to assist those struggling.
Bulgaria created the Responsible Gaming Foundation in 2015. This is critical. It provides a one-of-a-kind helpline for gambling addicts. The Association for Addiction Rehabilitation, "Solidarnost," oversees the organization. It was founded in 2003 to rehabilitate gambling addicts.
Their approach provides gamblers with a healing community. Workshops, conversations, and seminars are used to change addictive habits. These programs demonstrate Bulgaria's dedication to encouraging responsible gaming and assisting people suffering from gambling addiction.
Betting in Bulgaria: Conclusion
In Bulgaria's dynamic world of sports betting, enthusiasts find themselves amidst various international platforms. These offer a diverse range of options. The platforms cater to different betting preferences. It ensures that Bulgarian bettors can enjoy a fulfilling online betting experience. The top 5 platforms are highlighted in this article.
1xbet: Live betting and high-quality streaming services 🏆
22BET: Extensive coverage of esports and competitive betting odds 🎮
MegaPari: Various sports markets cater to enthusiasts of less mainstream sports 🌟
In the world of online betting in Bulgaria, responsible gambling is paramount. It is essential to bet within your means. Betting should primarily be an avenue for entertainment, not a primary income method. To all Bulgarian bettors, we encourage you to enjoy your sports betting journey with informed and cautious decisions. May your betting experience be thrilling and responsible. Good luck!
FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Online sports betting is legal in Bulgaria. It is regulated by the State Commission on Gambling. They ensure a safe betting environment.
In Bulgaria, many popular sports are available for betting. This includes football and basketball, among others.
Yes. Many international betting sites operate in Bulgaria. They must be licensed. The platforms must also comply with Bulgarian gambling laws.
Yes. Most Bulgarian online sports betting sites accept BGN. This is along with other major currencies.
Yes. The legal age for online sports betting in Bulgaria is 18 years.
James is a copywriter and iGaming expert with a wealth of experience in online casino gaming, sports betting and crypto. He believes every reader needs access to the right information provided in an engaging way.
With more than 10 years of experience in online marketing, and special focus on the gambling affiliation sector over 5 years, Martin Lasmanis is a true expert in his niche. Today, Martin's vision is to build the largest lead generator company in the world. Fortunately, we have the perfect team to make his dream come true!
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