For another year, the Responsible Gaming Foundation took an active part in the European Safer Gambling Week 2025 – a large-scale initiative of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), held between 17–23 November 2025 across Europe.
The European Safer Gambling Week brings together over 190 partners from 26 countries in a shared mission to promote safe play, protect players, and exchange good practices across Europe.
This year, the Foundation delivered two key events that positioned Bulgaria among the leading countries actively working toward sustainable and responsible development of the gaming industry.
Case Study Challenge 2025 – “Reinvesting in the Community Through Sports and Health”
Following the successful editions of previous years, the Case Study Challenge 2025 was held for the first time as part of the European Safer Gambling Week.
The initiative featured the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator, Palms Bet, and 8888.bg, which presented real examples of social responsibility and sustainable development in the sector.
The theme of this year’s edition – “Reinvesting in the Community Through Sports and Health” – highlights the gaming industry’s commitment to society, and particularly to young people. The companies demonstrated how their programs reinvest back into the community through building sports facilities, supporting youth initiatives, mental health campaigns, and addiction-prevention activities.
8888.bg – “Phoenix of Goodness”
The initiative showcased impressive scale and sustainable social impact. 8888.bg presented over BGN 300,000 in donations, more than 40 completed social causes, and support for young athletes, social institutions, schools, and elderly people in need. The project stood out with strong visual communication, a clear structure, and a message of long-term commitment to the community.
Palms Bet – Sports and Community Development Programs
Palms Bet demonstrated strategic and long-term involvement in the development of Bulgarian sports through partnerships with clubs, infrastructure improvements, and opportunities for young talents. The presentation emphasized sustainability and contribution to an active and healthy lifestyle for young people.
Bulgarian Sports Totalizator (BST) – National Preventive and Educational Programs
BST presented a systematic and consistent model of social responsibility, including preventive campaigns, training, sports initiatives, and nationwide social programs. The project stood out for its scale, strategic vision, and profound public impact.
Following evaluation by an international jury, 8888.bg and Palms Bet were awarded first place in the private sector, while BST received first place in the public sector.
“The European partnership with EGBA is proof that Bulgaria is an active and significant voice in the conversation about responsible gambling. Our goal is to show that the industry can be a source of positive change when it works in sync with society and European standards,” said Petya Filipova, Executive Director of the Responsible Gaming Foundation.
Masterclass in Partnership with EEGS and RGC – “The Value and Importance of Top-Down Commitment”
The second key event organized by the Foundation was a Masterclass held in partnership with the Eastern European Gaming Summit (EEGS) and the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), Canada, on the topic:
“The value and importance of top-down commitment – why responsible gambling is good for business and how it can be integrated at all levels of an organization.”
The session emphasized the role of leadership and strategic vision in building a sustainable culture of responsible play and presented effective practices for integrating Responsible Gambling principles into every aspect of operators’ activities.
The topic highlights that responsible gambling is not merely a regulatory requirement, but a core element of good corporate governance that contributes to sustainability, trust, and a positive corporate image.
This approach fully aligns with the mission of the Responsible Gaming Foundation – promoting corporate responsibility and integrating responsible gambling principles into all aspects of business practices.
