The black lottery is not a crime under the Penal Code

“The black lottery is not regulated as a crime. Illegal gambling and fraud are just similar crimes under the Penal Code,” announced yesterday officials from the Supreme Cassation Prosecutor's Office. According to Prosecutor Nikolay Georgiev, match-fixing is not a crime under Bulgarian legislation. His statement was confirmed by Steliana Kozhuharova, Spokeswoman of the Prosecutor General.

“The Prosecutor’s Office and the other authorities are taking measures against the black lottery, complying with the current legislation,” said Nikolay Georgiev. He added that there was a discrepancy between public expectations and the measures taken by the magistrates aimed at preventing this practice.

"We are not able, in any way, to influence, bring charges against the offenders because there is no such provision. If the offence is related to fraud, to money laundering, then we are talking about other crimes but match-fixing is not a crime in Bulgaria,” stated Steliana Kozhuharova. She explained further that the question is whether a person registered on the Internet in France can bet in other EU countries. The Spokeswoman of the Prosecutor General added that there was no legislative solution to this issue at the European level as well. Kozhuharova noted that, recently, the cases of betting via the Internet have increased globally.

Nikolay Georgiev announced that the proposals for legislative amendments were submitted as early as March 31. He emphasised that until these are adopted bodies such as the Gambling Commission and the Bulgarian Football Union can implement their mechanisms for countering black pools. The Magistrate explained that black lottery means the carrying out of illegal activities related to improper betting on sports results.

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