It has been reported that many millions in Bulgarian currency has been avoiding taxation through online gambling sites. Because of this the government in Bulgaria could possibly make a move to strengthen laws that would tax the online gambling market. But unlike other countries such as Norway and France who want to monopolize the gambling market, the Bulgarian government wants to partner with private companies and help develop the market in their country. The country currently has a state run totalisator but hopes to make the market more regulated and earn more revenue.

If the country decides to move forward with new legislation it would be a plus for online bingo operators and vendors. The citizens of Bulgaria do not play online bingo much according to studies but this could change. The vendors and operators of bingo that offer free online bingo games would most likely see a nice shift in their Bulgarian clientele.

The most current statistics of Bulgaria’s legal gambling revenue is 350 million in Euro. The amount that has been estimated that is escaping taxation is around 300 million in Euro. That is a good bit of money the government could be taxing and gaining money from. The new legislation would benefit the government by providing additional income for the country and it would also benefit the current national sports totalisator agency. The agency would be able to compete for new partnerships and in new markets.

It seems to me that Bulgaria has the right idea. Instead of trying to monopolize the online gambling market or gambling market they are investing in it and reaping rewards. Sweden as well as the above mention Norway and France have stayed in the “old ways” by using a old style government. Hopefully more countries will take the approach of Bulgaria and use the online gambling market to their advantage and still allow their citizens to participate in online gambling.

- 2007-11-23