Bulgarian Parliament Passes Law Banning Gambling Advertising

In a unanimous decision, the Bulgarian Parliament has passed a law prohibiting gambling advertising across nearly all media platforms, including television, radio, newspapers, and websites. The vote, held on April 30, the final day of the 49th parliament, saw all 198 deputies present supporting the ban during the second reading.

Once published in the official register, the law will take effect in the coming weeks. It mandates a comprehensive ban on gambling advertisements, with exceptions limited to billboards, social media, and sports venues not catering to children. Additionally, advertising for the state lottery is exempt, given its obligation to contribute revenue towards sports initiatives and healthcare expenses.

Despite the unanimous approval, the Bulgarian Gambling Association has expressed opposition to the bill, cautioning against potential repercussions. They argue that the ban could incentivize the proliferation of unlicensed gambling platforms, weaken consumer protections, and result in a loss of government revenue derived from taxes and gambling fees.

The implementation of this law reflects Bulgaria's efforts to regulate the gambling industry and address concerns regarding the societal impacts of excessive gambling advertising.