MPs adopted on the second reading to prohibit the advertising of gambling in the media and gambling halls to have only in settlements with more than 10 thousand inhabitants. The decision was adopted with 198 votes in favour, 0 against and 0 abstentions. The ban will enter into force three days after its promulgation in the State Gazette.

The amendments to the Gambling Act prohibit the advertising of gambling on television, websites and print media. It will remain allowed only on billboards and in sports halls located away from schools, or sports equipment.

The texts passed the second reading in the Budget Committee this morning. It was also agreed that throughout the licence the investment would be maintained by the gambling investor and the amount increased from BGN 500,000 to BGN 750,000. In addition, in order to obtain a licence the gaming hall must be located not less than 300 metres from prohibited sites, including educational institutions.

There will be no gambling halls in settlements with less than 10 thousand inhabitants. This change prohibits gambling halls in settlements with fewer than 10 thousand inhabitants, except in resorts and border areas. In addition, advertising for gambling on billboards that are municipal or state-owned is prohibited.

It was also agreed that 10% of each advertisement should be occupied by a caption stating that “gambling carries a risk of addiction”. The gambling investor also has to pay a socially responsible fee, which for online betting will be 100,000 BGN, and the bonuses in the advertisements also fall. 50% of the contribution made by gambling operators will go to the health ministry for treatment and therapy of gambling addicts.

The changes also accepted that people who are on the register and receive social assistance will not be able to access the gambling halls, and will not be able to de-register if they receive social assistance.

The introduction of software to monitor maximum downtime on gambling operator websites was also accepted. There is also a requirement in gaming halls and gaming casinos that the immediate payout of winnings be up to BGN 10,000 and the remainder within the next working day.

Gambling investors have a period of 3 years in which to comply with the changes imposed. Persons who publish, broadcast or disseminate gambling advertising are liable to a fine of between BGN 30,000 and BGN 50,000 or a fine of between BGN 5,000 and BGN 10,000.

The Council for Electronic Media will supervise the advertising content in the media space and refer violations to the National Revenue Agency. The ban will not apply to the broadcasting of the Bulgarian Sports Totalisator’s draws.

In the event of a violation, the Executive Director of the NRA shall send a notice to the promoter of the violation found and shall give the promoter one month to cease the violation and remedy the consequences.

In case of first violation the fine will be 5 000, second violation 20 000 BGN, third violation – revocation of the license.