Experts, policymakers and civil society representatives in Bulgaria have examined how effectively gambling venues are kept at a safe distance from sensitive locations and the impact of gambling on young people.
MP Venko Sabrutev (PP-DB) announced plans to propose a full ban on gambling advertising. The discussion took place at Sofia’s Peroto Literary Club during an event organised by Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria (DSB), titled “Beyond 300 Metres: How is Gambling Really Restricted?”.
It was prompted by a case at Secondary School “Peyo K. Yavorov”, where the school entrance was bricked up to ensure the school did not fall within the 300-metre restricted zone for gambling establishments near educational institutions. Zhorzheta Rafailova, director of Sofiaplan, highlighted that urban environments are highly dynamic, with pedestrian routes changing frequently. This complicates the establishment of a consistent zoning system for gambling venues.
She noted that the ordinance governing how distances to sensitive sites are measured should be revised to ensure restrictions are applied effectively. Sofiaplan is a municipal enterprise responsible for the spatial and strategic planning of Sofia Municipality. According to MP Alexander Simidchiev (PP-DB), between 2% and 4% of the population struggles with gambling problems, with 1.5% classified as compulsive gamblers.
Tihomir Bezlov, a security expert at the Centre for the Study of Democracy, has pointed out that Bulgaria has one of the highest rates of gambling among students. He suggested that some forms of regulated gambling, such as tourist gambling, should remain legal to prevent the entire sector from being driven underground if a complete ban is enacted.
In 2025, the Bulgarian Parliament rejected a bill that aimed to restrict gambling and establish a state monopoly over the sector
