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Democratic Bulgaria MPs want Bulgaria to replace its current gambling advertising restrictions with a near total ban after arguing that operators have repeatedly found ways around rules introduced in 2024.
The bill, filed in the 52nd National Assembly on September 9, would extend restrictions across outdoor advertising, websites, apps, online platforms and direct marketing while giving the National Revenue Agency stronger enforcement powers.
Good to Know
- Bulgaria introduced broad gambling advertising restrictions in 2024, but Democratic Bulgaria says enforcement gaps have allowed advertising to remain highly visible.
- The proposal would end the current 5% outdoor advertising allowance and cover websites, apps, online platforms, SMS and email.
- Separate provisions target operators that lack a Bulgarian gambling licence, including restrictions involving crypto payments and search engine visibility.
Online and Outdoor Gambling Ads Face Wider Ban
Bill 52-654-01-130 would remove several routes that gambling companies can still use to advertise in Bulgaria.
Outdoor advertising would face a full ban. Current rules allow gambling ads to occupy up to 5% of the total advertising area controlled by an outdoor advertising provider. The proposal would remove that allowance as well as the exception for advertising positioned more than 300 metres from schools, playgrounds and other protected locations.
Digital advertising would also receive its own restrictions. Websites, online news services, mobile apps and platforms covered by the EU Digital Services Act would fall within the ban. Providers of online advertising services under the Digital Markets Act would also face new requirements.
Direct promotion through SMS, email and similar channels would be prohibited.
Lawmakers also want a wider definition of gambling advertising. Product placement and promotional material using names or trademarks closely resembling a gambling operator, website, sports competition or venue could fall within the rules.
Bozhidar Bozhanov, co-chair of Yes, Bulgaria and deputy chair of the Democratic Bulgaria parliamentary group, said:
“Today we are submitting a bill to amend the Gambling Act, with which we will fill all the ‘loopholes’, ban advertising everywhere, in all ways, without any opportunities for gambling operators to take advantage of the existing loopholes in the law.”
Bozhanov told reporters that gambling advertising had remained visible across Bulgarian cities and on national television despite the 2024 restrictions.
NRA Would Receive Stronger Enforcement Powers
The National Revenue Agency would operate a single online reporting system for prohibited gambling advertising and publish monthly statistics covering violations and penalties.
The NRA executive director could order advertising removed and suspend access to online advertising services for up to one month when providers repeatedly ignore removal orders.
Hosting companies and internet providers could also face liability. Providers receiving a share of gambling advertising revenue would be treated as directly participating in a breach. Other providers would have 12 hours to remove or restrict access to prohibited material after receiving notice or an official order.
The bill also requires gambling risk warnings to use a clearly visible font and readable colour. Sponsors argue that some existing warnings technically comply with the law while remaining difficult for consumers to see.
Bozhanov had already raised questions with the government in August over enforcement of online gambling advertising restrictions and the outdoor advertising limit. Parliamentary records show separate questions filed on August 10 and August 17.
Unlicensed Operators Face Separate Restrictions
The bill also contains provisions aimed specifically at gambling operators without a Bulgarian licence.
Crypto asset service providers and trading platforms would be barred from processing transfers connected to unlicensed gambling operators or companies listed by the NRA after an order to stop serving Bulgaria.
Cash deposit terminals could no longer fund online gambling accounts before operators verify customer identity.
Very large online search engines covered by the Digital Services Act would also have to remove results directing Bulgarian users toward unlicensed gambling websites.
Unlicensed is the relevant distinction here. An operator without authorization from Bulgaria can still hold a gambling licence in another jurisdiction. Lack of a Bulgarian licence therefore does not automatically mean the company itself operates unlawfully everywhere. The proposed restrictions concern whether an operator has permission to offer gambling services within Bulgaria.
Democratic Bulgaria argues that the 2024 framework has failed partly because authorities have not enforced existing restrictions consistently. The party wants advertising access reduced rather than relying primarily on larger financial penalties.
Bozhanov also rejected an automatic link between advertising restrictions and a complete gambling ban. He said lawmakers would need to assess any broader prohibition carefully because pushing consumers toward unlicensed gambling could create additional problems.
The post Democratic Bulgaria Seeks Wider Gambling Advertising Ban appeared first on iGaming.org.