In Bulgaria, two influential political factions have united to call for a nationwide ban on gambling ads. The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB), both centralist forces, have crafted an amendment to the Gambling Act.
This amendment seeks to restrict land-based gambling in smaller towns and eradicate gambling ads from all media. GERB’s Deputy Chairman, Temenuzhka Petkova, passionately stated, “The surge in gambling addictions over recent years demands decisive action.”
Yordan Tsonev, MRF’s Deputy Chairman, also champions the bill, submitted on April 24. It promises to shield the youth from the lure of addiction. Bulgaria’s stance echoes a broader European initiative. Nations like Belgium, Poland, and Italy have already enacted full bans.
The Netherlands’ gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit, reported a 28% growth in iGaming revenue post-ad ban, totaling €1.39bn. Inspired, London’s Health Committee has urged a similar ban across the city’s transport network.
