Bulgaria rejects state Gambling control, opts for privatisation path
Bulgaria’s parliament has clearly rejected a move to put all gambling under state control. Instead, lawmakers are advancing a rival plan to privatise the state’s betting monopoly.
A proposal for full state control, backed by the far-right Vazrazhdane party, gained only 58 votes. Most MPs abstained or voted against.
Supporters called gambling a social scourge, arguing state oversight would improve player protection. However, opponents warned it would cripple gambling tourism and cut €200 million in annual tax revenue, potentially pushing players to illegal sites.
Following the vote, focus shifted to the ruling coalition’s plan to sell the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator (BST) via a long-term concession.
They argue the state monopoly, active since 2020, has underperformed. It has consistently missed revenue targets and attracted fewer players than previous private operators.
A public tender will be launched by 31 March 2026. Only companies registered or based in Bulgaria can bid for the concession, which will last at least 15 years.
Gaming Corps has expanded UK reach through new MrQ partnership
Swedish games supplier Gaming Corps has significantly expanded its UK presence. The company has now agreed a new content partnership with MrQ. Consequently, MrQ’s UK platform will feature Gaming Corps’ full portfolio of slot and instant-win titles.
MrQ launched in 2018 and offers over 1,000 games. Importantly, the operator focuses on simplified play. For example, it is one of the few UK casinos that does not apply wagering requirements. Gaming Corps states this player-first approach perfectly suits its catalogue of short-cycle, feature-led games.
Furthermore, the supplier confirmed plans for future releases on the platform. These will include new games built around proven mechanics from other regulated markets.
Adam Pentecost, Director of Customer Success at Gaming Corps, commented: “We’ve focused on growing our UK footprint for some time. Therefore, partnering with MrQ is a fantastic step forward. Their player-first approach is refreshing and a great match for our content.”
Daniel Pascoe, Senior Casino Manager at MrQ, added: “Gaming Corps creates some of the market’s most distinctive content right now. So, adding their games broadens our selection and gives players more excellent options.”
This agreement forms a key part of Gaming Corps’ wider UK strategy. Indeed, the supplier has accelerated its distribution across licensed operators over the past year through multiple partnerships.
Danish gambling revenue drops as advertising rules tighten
Recent figures from Denmark’s gambling regulator, Spillemyndigheden, reveal a notable shift. Overall, licensed gambling revenue fell by 3.4% year-on-year in October. Consequently, total monthly revenue reached just DKK 599m (€80m).
Critically, sports betting revenue collapsed by 46% to DKK 112m. This drop occurred despite a busy sporting calendar. For instance, the Danish Superliga and major tournaments like the Champions League were all active.
This decline follows the government’s announcement of new advertising restrictions, set for 2027. Therefore, some analysts suspect more players are now using unlicensed betting sites.
However, other sectors performed strongly. In contrast to sports betting, online casino revenue rose by 24.4% to DKK 356m. Similarly, land-based casino revenue increased by 6% to DKK 31m. Ultimately, these gains partially offset the losses from sports betting.
Overall, the Danish gambling market (excluding lotteries) has generated DKK 13.56bn in revenue so far this year. Specifically, online casino accounts for just over half of all revenue. Meanwhile, sports betting follows at 28%, with gaming machines at 15% and land-based casinos at 4.95%.
