Bulgaria's Prime Minister Moves to Ban Gambling Ads
Bulgaria's PM announced a near-total ban on gambling advertising and stricter regulations for the gambling sector.Summary
Bulgaria's Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced at a cabinet meeting that the government is introducing a near-total ban on gambling advertising, with only sports sponsorships on uniforms and facilities remaining permitted. The government also plans to ban illuminated casino and gaming hall facades, which Radev said made Bulgarian towns "resemble Las Vegas." Changes to the Gambling Act include taxation based on actual financial results for casinos and gaming halls, strict controls to prevent money laundering and tax evasion through real-time connection of gaming equipment to the National Revenue Agency, a significant increase in the online gambling tax, and requirements for foreign operators to register in Bulgaria. Additionally, the cabinet proposed amendments to the Penal Code to make customs violations criminal offenses rather than merely administrative ones, targeting smugglers and corrupt customs officials. Radev said these measures "strike deep into one of organized crime's most lucrative sectors." The cabinet also planned to review reports on the 2025 state budget implementation and EU country-specific recommendations.
(Source：Novinite)