How to Bet Online in Bulgaria — Beginner's Guide
If you're considering online betting for the first time, this guide is for you. We'll walk you through it step by step — from choosing a platform to placing your first bet, explained clearly and without jargon.
Is Online Betting Legal in Bulgaria?
Yes — online betting is completely legal in Bulgaria, provided you bet with a licensed operator.
The State Commission on Gambling (SCG) is the regulatory body that licenses and oversees all gambling operators in the country. Licensed companies are required to follow strict consumer protection rules.
How to check if a site is licensed:
Look for the SCG logo at the bottom of the website or check the public SCG register.
Step 1: Choose a Bookmaker
For beginners, we recommend Sesame — the platform is extremely user-friendly, offers good odds, and a generous welcome bonus of up to 150 EUR.
Before registering, make sure you meet the requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- Bulgarian citizen or resident of Bulgaria
- Valid ID card or passport
- Bank account or debit/credit card
Step 2: Register
The registration process is simple and takes about 5 minutes.
You'll need:
- Email address
- ID card or passport (for verification)
- A payment method
The process:
- Go to the bookmaker's official website
- Click "Register" or "Open Account"
- Fill in your personal details
- Confirm your email address
- Complete verification (upload a photo of your ID)
Important: Fill in your real details. Verification is mandatory when withdrawing funds.
Step 3: Make Your First Deposit
After verification, proceed to make a deposit.
Payment Methods in Bulgaria
| Method | Minimum | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard | 5 EUR | Instant |
| ePay.bg | 5 EUR | Instant |
| EasyPay | 5 EUR | Instant |
| Bank transfer | 10 EUR | 1-3 days |
Tip: For your first deposit, use a card or ePay.bg — they process instantly and usually don't charge fees.
How to claim the welcome bonus?
During the deposit, there's usually a "Use promo code" or "Activate bonus" option — make sure to activate it before confirming the deposit.
Step 4: Understand the Interface
Before betting, explore the platform:
Sports section: Here you find all available sports and matches
Bet slip: Here your selections are added before confirmation
"Live" section: Betting on matches currently in progress
Profile/Cashier: Deposits, withdrawals, betting history
Step 5: Place Your First Bet
Let's place a simple bet step by step:
- Choose a sport → Football → English Premier League
- Choose a match → Click on the match you're interested in
- Choose a market → For example "Match Result" (1X2)
- Choose an outcome → Click on the odds (e.g., home win)
- The bet slip loads → You'll see it on the right or at the bottom
- Enter the amount → Type how much you want to bet
- Check potential winnings → You'll see it automatically
- Confirm the bet → Click "Bet" or "Confirm"
Safety and Responsible Gambling
Set Limits
All licensed bookmakers in Bulgaria provide tools for:
- Deposit limit — maximum you can deposit per day/week/month
- Loss limit — stops betting when a certain loss is reached
- Session time limit — how long you can bet
- Self-exclusion — temporary or permanent break
Signs of Problem Gambling
❗ Betting with money meant for bills or food
❗ Trying to "win back" losses with a bigger bet
❗ Lying to loved ones about your betting
❗ Betting affecting your work or relationships
If you recognise these signs — seek help from the National Gambling Helpline: 0800 90 300 (free)
Tips for Beginners
✅ Start small — bet 5-5 EUR while you learn how it works
✅ Only bet on sports you know
✅ Keep records — track your bets
✅ Don't bet under the influence of alcohol or emotions
✅ Set a budget and don't exceed it
Ready to Start?
If you're ready, we recommend Sesame as your first platform. Easy interface, excellent odds, and a bonus of up to 150 EUR await you.
Bet responsibly. 18+. Gambling can be addictive.