Bulgarian Parliament Votes Down Proposed Amendments to Gambling Act

Bulgarian Parliament Votes Down Proposed Amendments to Gambling Act

In a recent session marked by heated debate, the Bulgarian Parliament grappled with proposed amendments to the country's Gambling Act, primarily focusing on the contentious issue of gambling advertisements. The initiative, spearheaded by Kostadin Kostadinov of the Vazrazhdane party, faced staunch opposition and ultimately met its demise with a vote count of 67 against, 29 in favor, and 79 abstentions. Notably, supporters of the bill included members from Vazrazhdane, BSP for Bulgaria, and the There Is Such a People party.

The proposed amendments aimed to address growing concerns over the widespread influence of gambling advertisements, which critics argue contribute to the normalization and glamorization of gambling activities. Proponents of the revisions emphasized the need to mitigate the social harms associated with gambling addiction, advocating for stricter regulations on advertising practices and enhanced support for individuals grappling with addiction issues. Additionally, the amendments sought to introduce punitive measures for media operators found in breach of advertising restrictions related to gambling.

Vazrazhdane, in particular, underscored the urgency of tackling the pervasive impact of gambling addiction, citing statistics indicating its detrimental effects on a significant portion of Bulgarian families. The party's representatives stressed the importance of fostering a comprehensive legislative framework aimed at curbing harmful behaviors and providing adequate support for those affected by addiction.

However, despite these arguments, the proposed amendments encountered strong resistance from opponents who raised concerns about the potential economic repercussions of stringent advertising regulations. Members of the GERB and Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria parties, in particular, argued against what they deemed as overly restrictive measures that could negatively impact municipal sporting institutions and broader economic interests.

Rumen Gechev of BSP for Bulgaria advocated for a more radical approach, calling for a complete ban on gambling activities within Bulgaria's borders. Gechev highlighted the pervasive nature of gambling advertisements, mainly targeting vulnerable demographics such as children and adolescents, and stressed the need for decisive action to address the issue.

Conversely, Lyuben Dilov of GERB-UDF cautioned against the proposed amendments, expressing skepticism about the efficacy of advertising bans in addressing the underlying issues of addiction. Dilov argued that a blanket prohibition on gambling advertisements could inadvertently drive the industry underground while failing to address the root causes of addiction effectively.

The rejection of the proposed amendments reflects the deep-seated disagreements within Parliament regarding the appropriate balance between regulatory measures and commercial interests within the iGaming industry. Despite efforts to address concerns surrounding gambling addiction and advertising practices, consensus remains elusive, highlighting the complex nature of policymaking in this contentious arena.

Moving forward, stakeholders anticipate continued debates and negotiations concerning gambling regulation in Bulgaria, with divergent perspectives shaping the trajectory of future legislative efforts. As policymakers navigate these challenges, the outcome of these discussions will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the iGaming industry and society at large, underscoring the need for thoughtful and balanced approaches to address this multifaceted issue.