| A conference on the prospects of gambling business and tourism has been held at the Bulgarian University for National and World Economy (UNWE). The conference was initiated by Bulgarian State Commission on Gambling (SCG) and was attended by the country’s gambling business representatives, industry experts and members of the Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime.
The conference has had a highly practical target, namely, elaborating amendments in the Gambling Law in respect of gambling tourism. One of the official speakers pointed out that changes would be mainly in three aspects, namely, online bets, illegal gambling and text message games. Lack of regulation on online gambling was named as one of the specific disadvantages of the present-day Bulgarian Gambling Law. It was also emphasized that Bulgaria should find a middle ground between complete banning and total legalization all of which are known in the modern world practice.
Even upon the present-day legal conditions, tourists from other countries where gambling is highly restricted or banned, like Turkey or Israel, are attending Bulgaria for gambling. Most prominent hotels of Sofia, such as Rila, Rodina and Hemus substantially rely on income from the casinos they run. Another part of the gambling tourism is located at the Black Sea shore, at the resorts near the city of Varna. Besides, last year two casinos were open in Svilengrad. According to the published figures, in 2006 taxes paid by the Bulgarian gambling industry amounted to US $53.6 million; final figures for 2007 are not yet available.
It would make sense to incorporate national gambling program into the country’s tourism industry, officials have pointed out during the conference. Bulgaria would need a national information system on gambling along with well-trained professionals to work in this business.
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