Bulgarian political factions are advocating for a national prohibition on the promotion of gambling. This development coincides with an increasing tendency throughout Europe to curtail gambling-related advertisements, particularly as data arises suggesting it may not significantly influence profits.
Two prominent political entities in Bulgaria, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and the center-right GERB party, have united to put forward modifications to the nation’s legislation concerning gambling. Their proposition aims to restrict the expansion of physical gambling establishments, especially in smaller municipalities with populations below 5,000.
The most consequential aspect of the proposition is a total ban on gambling promotions across all channels, encompassing television, outdoor displays, printed publications, and digital platforms. GERB deputy leader Temenuzhka Petkova emphasized the pressing nature of the matter, stating, “It is widely known that in the past three years, there has been a marked rise in gambling dependence within our society. This necessitates implementing appropriate steps to curb it.”
Those in favor of the legislation, presented to the National Assembly on April 24th, contend that it is essential for safeguarding young individuals from the risks of gambling dependence.
Bulgaria’s action corresponds with a wider European movement to tackle anxieties regarding the influence of gambling advertisements on susceptible demographics.
A number of nations in Europe, such as Belgium, Poland, and Italy, have enacted total prohibitions on the promotion of gambling. This movement is gaining momentum as information highlights the beneficial effects of such actions. As an example, in the Netherlands, the regulatory body for gambling (KSA) documented a 28% increase in online gambling income, reaching €1.39 billion ($1.51 billion), in 2023 following the implementation of advertising limitations. This triumph has sparked demands for comparable measures in other locations. Specifically, in London, the City Council’s health committee has advocated for a prohibition on all gambling advertisements throughout the Transport for London (TfL) system.
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