written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
25 Apr 2024
Journalist, Editorial Department
Political parties in Bulgaria, including the Union of Democratic Forces (SDS), GERB, and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), have introduced a joint bill aimed at imposing a near-total ban on gambling advertisements. The initiative seeks to amend Bulgaria's Gambling Act.
If the bill is passed, advertising will only be permitted on billboards located more than 100 meters from educational institutions, as well as within gaming halls and casinos. The ban will extend to marketing campaigns on television, radio, the internet, and print media, as well as outdoor advertising on buildings.
In addition to restrictions on marketing activities, the bill calls for blocking access to offshore gambling websites and prohibiting financial transactions with them. Penalties ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 Bulgarian levs (approximately $2,550 to $10,200) are proposed for illegal online casinos and the payment platforms that collaborate with them.
The legislation also suggests that gaming machines should only be installed in areas with populations exceeding 5,000. Exceptions will be made for national resorts and locations situated no more than 30 meters from roads, railways, and river crossings.
Earlier this month, the Romanian parliament voted in favor of a similar proposal, implementing a ban on gaming machines in areas with populations under 15,000.
Furthermore, the bill proposes an increase in the minimum capital requirement for companies seeking licenses for gaming machines, raising the amount to between 500,000 and 750,000 levs (approximately $25,500 to $38,300).
Notably, the UK government has decided not to impose restrictions on payment methods for gaming machines.
