Bans in Bulgaria for Gambling Advertising

Internet betting is going through some major adjustments on a global scale including the Baltic region, where changes are being made to rules and regulations concerning internet betting. Certain European countries have had problems joining the European Union since these countries have problems with gambling monopolies and offshore internet betting.

The Bulgarian government is trying to prevent the advertising of gambling, however both land based and online casino operators are protesting. These operators object to the wording of the new Gambling Act, stating that it is discriminatory in regards to casinos and gambling advertisements.

These businesses are asking for all forms of prohibitions on gambling advertising to be removed. It has been stated, "If restrictions were essential, it would be more acceptable to treat gambling in the same manner as smoking, with warnings of the possible dangers associated with wagering carried on any advertising, rather than outright bans.”

The European Gaming and Amusement Federation has a conference in Strasbourg, to which a Bulgarian delegation has been sent. The central issue of this conference is to understand the need for gaming restrictions in the European Union.

In previous years, the European Gaming and Amusement Federation has taken the position of “equitable treatment of all forms of gambling service distribution across the EU.” Annette Kok, the president of EUROMAT stated that, “Today has been all about ensuring that when decisions are made at EU level which impact our sector, that those decisions are based on concrete knowledge as to how our sector operates, how many people we employ and our commitment to providing gambling services in a responsible manner.”