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A formerly major Bulgarian private lottery operator, nationalized out of existence by the 2020 Gambling Act amendments
Visit National Lottery (Nacionalna Loteria) →Pros
- Was one of Bulgaria's largest private lottery operators prior to nationalization
Cons
- Confirmed closed in Bulgaria - private lottery licences fully revoked since 22 February 2020, independently confirmed via two sources
- No bonus, support, or active site available in this market
- The nationalization remains formally disputed by the company before the ECtHR as of this session
Our verdict
National Lottery (Nacionalna Loteria) was one of Bulgaria's largest private lottery operators until the country's 2020 Gambling Act amendments established a full state monopoly (the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator) and revoked all private lottery licences within three months, requiring outstanding winnings be paid out by set deadlines. This is corroborated by contemporaneous news reporting from January 2020, which named National Lottery specifically and documented the company's public opposition to the measure, calling the nationalization 'an unacceptable precedent.' Independently confirmed via a second, distinct source (lexploria.com, documenting the ongoing European Court of Human Rights case 'National Lottery AD and Others v. Bulgaria,' filed 13 November 2020): National Lottery AD's licence was immediately and automatically revoked when the amendments took effect on 22 February 2020, and the company is now formally challenging the nationalization before the ECtHR as an unlawful, uncompensated taking of property. This was a legal/regulatory closure driven by government policy, not a trust failure or scandal at the operator itself. There is no live offer, no active Bulgarian site, and no bonus for players in this market - readers should look to the state-run Bulgarian Sports Totalizator or another currently licensed operator instead.
How we rated it
Trust & licensing (27%)2
Independently confirmed via two sources (sofiaglobe.com, lexploria.com): National Lottery was one of Bulgaria's largest private lottery operators prior to the 2020 ban; its licence was immediately and automatically revoked on 22 February 2020, and the company is now formally challenging the nationalization as an uncompensated taking of property before the ECtHR - a legal/regulatory closure rather than a documented trust failure of the operator itself.
Lottery (36%)1
National Lottery ceased Bulgarian operations following the 2020 nationalization of the lottery sector - its platform can no longer be evaluated as a live product.
Bonuses & value (18%)1
No bonus is available - private lottery operators have been banned in Bulgaria since 22 February 2020, per our own bonus data.
Customer support (18%)1
No support channels are available in Bulgaria - the operator's private lottery licence has been revoked.
Welcome bonus
Quick facts
| Status | Closed in Bulgaria - nationalized by 2020 Gambling Act amendments |
| Nationalization date | 22 February 2020 (Cabinet bill backed 17 January 2020) |
| Successor | Bulgarian Sports Totalizator (state monopoly) |
| Company response | Publicly opposed the measure as 'an unacceptable precedent' |
| Legal challenge | National Lottery AD is an applicant in the ongoing ECtHR case 'National Lottery AD and Others v. Bulgaria' (filed 13 Nov 2020), challenging the revocation as an uncompensated taking of property |
Where National Lottery (Nacionalna Loteria) is licensed
National Lottery (Nacionalna Loteria) appears on the official register in 1 country — 1 for sports betting and 0 for casino. We only feature it in markets where it holds a licence to accept you.
Europe (1)
About National Lottery (Nacionalna Loteria)
National Lottery was a major private Bulgarian lottery operator, nationalized out of the market by the country's 2020 Gambling Act amendments, independently confirmed via two sources; the company is now formally challenging the nationalization before the European Court of Human Rights.
FAQ
Is National Lottery still available in Bulgaria?
No - Bulgaria's 2020 Gambling Act amendments revoked all private lottery licences, establishing a state monopoly. National Lottery ceased Bulgarian operations as a result.
Why did National Lottery close in Bulgaria?
The government nationalized the lottery sector, establishing the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator as the sole legal lottery operator, effective 22 February 2020.
Can I still claim winnings from National Lottery in Bulgaria?
The 2020 legislation required outstanding winnings to be paid by set deadlines (June 2021, or December 2025 under deferred payment contracts), per contemporaneous reporting.
Is the nationalization being legally challenged?
Yes - independently confirmed via lexploria.com: National Lottery AD is an applicant in the ongoing ECtHR case 'National Lottery AD and Others v. Bulgaria' (filed 13 November 2020), challenging the revocation as an uncompensated taking of property.
