site.btaParliament Restricts Gambling Ads

Parliament restricted gambling advertising on Tuesday. The texts were adopted unanimously at second reading with 198 votes in favour. 

Advertising of gambling is prohibited in radio and television programmes, with the exception of the broadcasting of the draws of the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator and their announcement, in printed works and electronic media, including websites, on state-owned and municipal property and on sites licensed under this law.

It is allowed to advertise gambling on outdoor constructed billboard-type facilities located no less than 300 metres from educational institutions - schools, universities, kindergartens, community centres, playgrounds, etc.

Advertising of gambling is allowed on equipment, sports facilities, sports halls, stadiums and swimming pools, materials or products of sports federations, clubs, associations and organizations, except on sports equipment, materials or products intended for use by minors.

Gambling with slot machines and in a gaming casino will only be allowed in settlements with more than 10,000 inhabitants, giving operators a three-year period to bring their operations in line with the adopted changes. 

An exception will be made for national resorts and settlements located within 30 km of Bulgaria's road, rail and river border crossings.

It is forbidden to include figures in gambling advertising. Advertising will be allowed to announce the names, type and variety of gambling games; the registered trademark of the organizer and, in the case of an event, and/or the company (name) of the organizer; the draws and the announcement of the prizes.

On all advertisements, with the exception of sports equipment, a minimum of 10 % of the space must be occupied by the text warning that gambling carries a risk of developing an addiction.

The Council for Electronic Media will supervise the advertising content in the media space and, if violations are detected, will refer them to the National Revenue Agency for administrative criminal proceedings.

It is envisaged that 50% of the social responsibility contribution of gambling operators will go to the Ministry of Health, to be used for the treatment of gambling addictions. This provision is due to come into force in four months' time.

People on monthly welfare assistance, people with mental disorders on the register under the Health Act and people placed under guardianship will not be allowed to gamble. A regulation will also set out minimum measures that gambling operators must take to curb risky online betting behaviour. These provisions are scheduled to come into force on January 1, 2025.