Konstantin Prodanov, an MP from the ruling Progressive Bulgaria, has said the Government is working on new gambling rules. These form part of a broader tax package that will be discussed before the state budget.
More specifically, new regulations will target gambling advertising restrictions, particularly outdoor billboard advertising.
Prodanov noted that the new restrictions will be targeted and will not include a total ban on advertising. He said the aim is to limit the excessive number of gambling billboards while avoiding the spread of the illegal market, as he alleges happened in Italy.
He is referring to Italy’s 2018 Dignity Decree, which imposed a blanket ban on gambling advertising and sponsorships.
In 2024, Bulgaria implemented far-reaching restrictions on gambling advertising. However, loopholes in the legislation have led to poor enforcement.
Current gambling advertising practices in Bulgaria face strong public, political and media backlash. Multiple local media outlets recently reported that gambling ads continue to appear online in various forms and on billboards.
In July, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Finance began a comprehensive review of the country’s Gambling Act. Deputy Finance Minister Lyudmila Petkova noted that repeated amendments introduced through unrelated legislation had created inaccuracies that could take years to correct.
Secondary regulations have weakened the enforcement of billboard advertising rules, including requirements governing the distance between gambling advertisements and schools or kindergartens. Other gaps in the advertising regulations also exist beyond outdoor advertising.
Global Gaming Insider recently analysed in depth how gambling advertising returned to the spotlight as Bulgaria moves to close gaps in its wider gambling regulatory framework.
In late July, Bulgaria introduced new rules for gambling affiliates, including a licensing framework
