Bulgaria moves closer to gambling advertising ban
Bulgaria has moved closer to introducing sweeping gambling advertising restrictions, although the government is reconsidering plans to abolish licensed gambling affiliates following a parliamentary committee meeting.
The National Assembly’s Budget and Finance Committee unanimously approved three competing bills on November 12, including government legislation proposing a near-total advertising ban, the termination of affiliate licences and increased fees for gambling operators.
However, Deputy Finance Minister Lyudmila Petkova proposed retaining licensed affiliates and allowing online gambling advertising exclusively through them, subject to strict restrictions.
Petkova warned that eliminating regulated affiliates could encourage the promotion of illegal online casinos and betting sites arguing that licensed businesses were already subject to regulatory oversight.
“By issuing them a licence, we have established conditions under which they agree not to work with illegal operators,” Petkova said.
The government’s original proposal would terminate affiliate licences from January 1, 2027, just five months after Bulgaria introduced its affiliate licensing regime.
Meanwhile, Bozhidar Bozhanov, co-chair of Yes, Bulgaria, welcomed the committee’s unanimous approval but called for stronger restrictions to prevent operators circumventing the legislation.
“Between the first and second readings, we will have one task – to ensure there are no loopholes in the final texts,” Bozhanov wrote on Facebook.
“Television, online and outdoor advertising; product placement, promotions, derivative brands – all of this must be banned. This tumour on society has grown far too much in recent years.”
“An effective advertising ban is the first essential step.”
The government bill also proposes a €400,000 one-off online gambling licence fee and a variable charge of 21% of gross gaming revenue from 2027, increasing to 22% in 2028.
The proposals must still pass the National Assembly, with lawmakers expected to refine the legislation before its final consideration.
