Bulgaria's government voted overwhelmingly in favor of a comprehensive ban on gambling advertisements, signaling a significant regulatory shift. The proposed bill, jointly submitted by several political parties, seeks to amend existing gambling laws to prohibit advertising across various platforms, including online, television, radio, and print media. If enacted, the new regulations would take effect shortly after publication, with fines and license revocations for non-compliance. The bill also introduces amendments to enhance oversight and accountability within the gambling industry. These changes reflect Bulgaria's evolving approach to gambling regulation following the dissolution of the State Gambling Commission in 2020.
What are the key changes in Bulgaria's gambling regulations? The bill seeks to revise Bulgaria’s gambling laws, introducing several amendments, notably focusing on advertising. Besides specifying prohibited advertising locations, the bill also outlines permissible venues. Advertisements are restricted to billboards situated at least 100 meters away from schools and on premises housing gaming facilities and casinos. However, televised broadcasts of Bulgarian sports tote draws are exempt from this ban. Additionally, adverts must incorporate responsible gambling messaging, constituting a minimum of 10% of each advertisement, and providing relevant information to consumers. Non-compliant operators risk fines of up to BGN50,000 (£21,842/€25,565/$27,285) and potential license revocation. Oversight of regulatory compliance falls under the Council for Electronic Media, which will refer violations to the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (NRA).
