The Zeleno-Levi Front (Green-Left Front, ZLF), a Serbian political party advocating for green policies, is intensifying its efforts to ban gambling advertisements entirely. Party representatives argue that removing all gambling ads would be the most effective way to safeguard the public from gambling-related harm.
Forum Criticizes Government’s Proposal
During a recent forum titled Games of Chance, Games with the Health of Citizens, ZLF criticized the government’s current approach to gambling regulation. The forum scrutinized the gaming industry’s practices and highlighted the potential harm of gambling advertisements.
The Serbian government has proposed banning the use of celebrities in gambling ads, following trends seen in other regulated markets. Under current law, professional athletes can endorse betting products, a practice that has drawn criticism from safer gambling advocates.
ZLF believes these measures fall short. Member of the National Assembly Biljana Đorđević revealed that the party had submitted a proposal for a total ban on gambling ads back in March. She lamented the government’s lack of response, stating, “We regret that the proposal has not been discussed or addressed.”
Đorđević also accused Minister of Internal and External Trade Tomislav Momirović of avoiding meaningful discussion on the matter. Momirović has previously suggested reducing gambling ad visibility by banning their placement on billboards along busy roads.
A key concern raised by ZLF is the impact of celebrity-endorsed gambling ads on children. Đorđević argued that such ads expose minors to risks, as young audiences may perceive gambling as an integral part of sports.
ZLF MP Marina Mijatović supported this view, criticizing the government’s efforts to protect minors. While acknowledging that gambling cannot be entirely prohibited, Mijatović suggested that ads should be less flashy and designed with public safety in mind.
The ZLF’s push for an outright ban echoes similar debates in other countries about gambling regulation and advertising.
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