Democratic Bulgaria Proposes Wider Gambling Advertising Ban
Democratic Bulgaria MPs have submitted a bill that would introduce much broader restrictions on gambling advertising in Bulgaria.
The proposal was filed in the 52nd National Assembly on September 9, 2026. It aims to close gaps in advertising rules introduced in 2024 and extend restrictions to more channels.
Under the bill, outdoor gambling advertising would be completely banned, removing the current 5% limit and exemptions for some billboards. The restrictions would also cover websites, online news services, mobile apps, online platforms and direct marketing through text messages and emails.
Bozhidar Bozhanov, co-chair of Yes, Bulgaria and deputy chair of the Democratic Bulgaria parliamentary group, stated:
Today we are submitting a bill to amend the Gambling Act, with which we will fill all the loopholes, ban advertising everywhere, in all ways, without any opportunities for gambling operators to take advantage of the existing loopholes in the law.
The proposal would also give Bulgaria’s National Revenue Agency additional enforcement powers. Internet and hosting providers could be required to remove illegal gambling advertising or restrict access within 12 hours after receiving notice.
Other measures target unlicensed gambling operators. These include restrictions on crypto transactions involving illegal operators and requirements for major online search engines to stop showing their websites in search results.
