In a second reading, parliamentarians voted to approve a new law adding sport crimes to the Penal Code. Ognyan Stoychkov, one of the bill’s authors, said the legislation includes sanctions for illegal online betting. Those found operating illegal gambling websites will be fined between BGN 20,000 and 50,000 ($14,700-$36,800).
Match-fixers can receive six years behind bars and may be required to pay between BGN 1,000 and 10,000 ($730-$7,300) if they are found guilty of racketeering, fraud, or intimidation with the intention of influencing the outcome of sporting matches.
Bribing an official or player to influence the final score carries a maximum sentence of 6 years in prison and a fine between BGN 5,000 and 15,000.
Those who are consistent violators can face up to eight years in prison and fines up to BGN 50,000 ($36,800).
According to the law, those found guilty of match manipulation may be banned from visiting athletic events. If they are caught at matches, they could receive up to three years in jail.
The new amendments come as athletic associations worldwide are coming under fire for alleged corruption.
