The Bulgarian National Assembly last week unanimously voted to ban virtually all gaming advertisements, iGaming Business reported May 1.
The bill was jointly proposed by GERB-UDF and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, according to the Bulgarian News Agency.
The bill approved by the parliament amends the country’s Gambling Act to add a prohibition on online gaming ads, ads on TV, the radio and in print. In addition, gambling ads would not be allowed on the sides of buildings.
Billboard ads are permitted, as long as they are more than 100 meters from a school or are on gaming halls and casino buildings.
Ads that are permitted must also devote at least 10 percent to responsible gambling messages.
Penalties for violations are as much as $27,285 or license withdrawal.
The new regulations will go into force three days after the bill is published in the State Gazette. That date has not been announced.
The Council for Electronic Media will be charged with compliance. In addition, more capital companies will need to apply for slots licenses, the fees for which are being increased by 50 percent.
Casinos and slots are limited in areas with a population of 10,000 or more, except for the border and at resorts, a change that will take effect in three years. Operators will be required to pay a “socially responsible fee” to the Ministry of Health that will help fund programs for problem gambling.
Another amendment will prevent those who have self-excluded themselves from the national register from backing out of it if they are on some form of relief.
Also, access will be denied to websites of illegal gambling sites, as well as payment sites.
