24,000 citizens reactivate for self-exclusion, according to Bulgarian NRA

NRA has confirmed that over 24,000 individuals have newly registered for the country's self-exclusion program since December 2022. Following a pause due to regulatory changes in 2020, the NRA reinstated the program on December 12, 2022, with the aim of encouraging individuals who have experienced or believe they may have been affected by gambling-related harm to enroll in the self-exclusion scheme.

The registry itself is not publicly accessible, with only a limited number of authorized personnel granted permission by the NRA's General Director, who became the main legislative authority overseeing gambling activities in the country after the State Gambling Commission was abolished in 2020. In order to comply with local laws, gambling operators have the option to request access to the registry in order to monitor their customer base and identify any individuals who have self-excluded.

The NRA has also implemented an innovative API-based electronic service, enabling operators to directly communicate with the agency in real-time for efficient information exchange.

 

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The recent announcement by the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (NRA) regarding the registration of over 24,000 individuals for the country's self-exclusion program is a significant development in the promotion of responsible gambling practices. The self-exclusion program aims to provide support to individuals who may be facing gambling-related harm by offering a mechanism for them to exclude themselves from participating in gambling activities.

It is noteworthy that the NRA had temporarily suspended the self-exclusion program due to regulatory changes in 2020. However, the program was reinstated on December 12, 2022, indicating a renewed commitment to addressing gambling-related issues within the country. This reactivation of the self-exclusion program demonstrates the NRA's dedication to implementing measures that promote player protection and responsible gambling.

One important aspect of the self-exclusion program is the limited accessibility of the registry. Only authorized personnel, granted permission by the NRA's General Director, have access to the database. This ensures that privacy and confidentiality are maintained for individuals who have chosen to self-exclude. By limiting access to the registry, the NRA ensures that sensitive personal information remains secure and protected.

The responsibility of monitoring self-exclusions lies with the operators of gambling establishments. To comply with local laws, these operators can request access to the registry. This enables them to monitor their customer base and identify any individuals who have excluded themselves. By actively engaging with the self-exclusion registry, operators can take steps to prevent self-excluded individuals from participating in gambling activities on their premises.

To facilitate efficient communication and information exchange, the NRA has implemented an API-based electronic service. This system allows gambling operators to directly communicate with the agency in real-time. This technological integration streamlines the process of sharing relevant information, ensuring that the self-exclusion program is effectively enforced and that operators can promptly identify and address any breaches.

Overall, the substantial number of new registrations for the self-exclusion program since its reactivation indicates a growing awareness of and willingness to address gambling-related harm within Bulgaria. By providing individuals with the opportunity to proactively exclude themselves from gambling activities and implementing measures to facilitate the program's enforcement, the NRA is taking positive steps towards supporting responsible gambling practices and protecting vulnerable individuals.