Bulgaria Ranks 40th in Global Tourism Destination Index
Bulgaria has secured the 40th spot in the global ranking of tourist destinations
In a last-minute move, GERB and DPS have put forward amendments to the Law on Gambling aimed at prohibiting the mass advertising of gambling, including on television, radio, and news websites.
Introduced by Temenuzhkka Petkova (GERB) and Yordan Tsonev (DPS), the draft amendments seek to curb the pervasive advertising of gambling services, which has been a longstanding concern in Bulgaria.
The proposed changes would ban gambling advertisements on television, radio, public spaces, and electronic media, including websites. Advertising would only be permitted on billboards located at least 100 meters away from educational institutions and on the facades of gambling establishments themselves.
Fines for violating the proposed regulations could reach up to BGN 50,000, signaling the seriousness with which the legislators view the issue.
The initiative is not unprecedented, as similar attempts to restrict gambling advertisements have been made in the past. However, previous efforts have faced pushback, particularly from stakeholders in the sports industry who rely on gambling sponsorships for financial support.
The draft amendments also include provisions to increase the minimum paid-in capital requirement for operating slot machine games and casinos. Additionally, they restrict the availability of slot machines and casinos in small settlements, except for resort areas and locations near border crossings.
Overall, the proposed changes aim to address concerns about the negative impact of excessive gambling advertising and its potential contribution to social issues such as addiction and crime.
While the fate of the amendments remains uncertain, their introduction highlights the ongoing debate surrounding gambling regulations in Bulgaria and the efforts by policymakers to address related challenges.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev and a delegation accompanying him were granted an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican
The Varna District Prosecutor's Office has filed requests to dissolve the Bulgarian National Movement "Shipka" and the Bulgarian Military Union "Vasil Levski" based on the Law on Legal Entities
The Bulgarian Ministry of Defense has announced that Minister Atanas Zapryanov engaged in a video conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Minister Rustem Umerov
Todor Angelov, a Bulgarian candidate for the European Parliament (MEP), has reportedly visited the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia region, which is currently under Russian occupation
In the latest sociological study conducted by the "Trend" agency and commissioned by "24 Chasa" media, insights into the potential outcome of Bulgaria's National Assembly elections have emerged
In about a month, Bulgaria will finalize its approach to organizing military training for civilians, as the deadline for creating the Strategic Defense Review ends in late June
Sofia Airport's Terminal 3 Construction Set to Begin in Early 2026
COVID-19 Impact: Bulgaria's Grim Milestone as Highest Death Rate in EU