Gambling and European integration – lessons from the Bulgarian experience

As a member of the European Union, Bulgaria is preparing to join the eurozone in 2025, a move that could prove pivotal in enhancing the quality of gambling regulation. Ukraine, also on the path to European integration, stands to benefit from aligning its gambling reforms with EU standards, particularly in terms of protecting its legal market and combating illegal operators more effectively. But how exactly? Let us take a closer look at Bulgaria’s experience and the potential parallels for Ukraine.

Bulgaria’s national gambling regulator believes that eurozone accession will bolster efforts to combat illegal gambling, primarily due to the expected increase in financial transparency and the potential for closer cooperation with European institutions in tackling the cross-border black market. Bulgarian government officials have echoed this sentiment—for instance, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov recently described  this step as a “major breakthrough” in reducing illicit financial flows linked to unlicensed gambling operations.

According to recent reports, the Bulgarian gambling industry generally views European integration positively. For example, Rumen Spetsov, the head of the national regulator, has been actively discussing regulatory strategies with media outlets, as reported by SBC Eurasia. Other sources, such as iGamingExpert, also confirm that Bulgarian officials see eurozone accession as a tool for strengthening oversight and combating the illegal gambling market.

This alignment between government and industry perspectives on the benefits of eurozone accession illustrates a rare consensus among key stakeholders regarding the positive impact of European integration on the gambling sector.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has recently completed the next phase of its gambling reform, establishing a new regulatory authority with expanded powers. This reflects the country's commitment to aligning with European standards, which emphasize strong consumer protection and strict controls over illegal gambling activities.

Although direct statements from Ukrainian officials linking European integration with gambling regulation are still infrequent, the adoption of several EU-compliant measures, such as KYC  (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) standards, as well as increasing cooperation with EU partners, are important steps toward strengthening Ukraine’s legal gambling market.

In addition to financial transparency requirements, the European Union has developed harmonized standards for gambling, including robust frameworks for consumer protection, cross-border regulatory cooperation, and oversight by both national and regional authorities.

Bulgaria’s experience can indeed serve as a valuable model for Ukraine. Both countries are grappling with illegal gambling, and European integration can support solutions through enhanced transparency, EU cooperation, and adaptation to shared standards. For Ukraine, it is essential to maintain momentum in its reforms—particularly in areas such as anti-corruption—and to leverage Bulgaria’s example to improve domestic regulation while utilizing available EU instruments to strengthen its oversight capabilities.