Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has signed off on amendments to the country's Gambling Law, ushering in a ban on gambling advertising across various media platforms. Effective from May 17, the amendments aim to curb the visibility of gambling-related promotions in television, radio, newspapers, and online platforms.
Under the new regulations, media outlets are prohibited from publishing or broadcasting advertisements related to gambling activities. However, exceptions will be made for broadcasting Bulgarian sports betting draws and relevant announcements. The ban received overwhelming support during the final session of the 49th National Assembly, despite objections raised by certain stakeholders during earlier readings.
While the move has faced resistance from gambling operators, sports clubs, and media entities, the government asserts that the amendments are necessary to address concerns surrounding the proliferation of gambling advertisements. Critics of the ban argue that it should have been subject to public debate prior to its adoption.
