Bulgarian MPs from We Continue the Change (PP), including former finance minister Assen Vassilev and Venko Sabrutev, have submitted a bill proposing a complete ban on gambling advertising nationwide. PP is part of the opposition.
If approved, the legislation would prohibit gambling advertising on television and radio, in print and online media, on social media platforms, billboards and building facades as well as through SMS and email campaigns. The proposed legislation, however, includes limited exceptions.
The proposal comes more than two years after Bulgaria introduced restrictions on gambling advertising in May 2024.
The legislation has very slim chances of passing. In July, the Ministry of Finance already rejected opposition proposals to raise gambling taxes and introduce further restrictions on gambling advertising.
Nevertheless, the proposal adds pressure on the current Government to pursue further reforms and PP MPs are not the only voices calling for action on the issue.
Current gambling advertising practices in Bulgaria are facing strong public, political and media backlash.
Multiple local media outlets have recently reported that gambling advertisements continue to appear online in various forms and on billboards.
During the World Cup, opposition politicians, media and members of the public criticised gambling advertising broadcast on Bulgarian National Television (BNT). BNT defended the broadcasts, saying they did not directly encourage viewers to bet and were linked to sponsorship partnerships.
In response to the growing criticism, the Finance Minister said Bulgaria's gambling advertising rules are undergoing a comprehensive review. He said that if gaps or ambiguities are identified, the rules will be refined, including those concerning the scope and restrictions on outdoor advertising.
Global Gaming Insider recently analysed in depth the return of gambling advertising to the spotlight, as the country moves to address gaps in its wider gambling regulatory framework.
In late July, Bulgaria introduced new rules for gambling affiliates, including a licensing framework
