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Democratic Bulgaria Tables Bill for Near-Total Gambling Ad Ban: A Comprehensive Guide

By jili tutorial · September 10, 2026

Democratic Bulgaria Tables Bill for Near-Total Gambling Ad Ban: A Comprehensive Guide

Background: Why This Bill Matters

In 2024, Bulgaria introduced restrictions on gambling advertising, but according to Democratic Bulgaria MPs, operators have consistently found ways to circumvent the rules. Now, the party has filed a bill (registration number 52-654-01-130) in the 52nd National Assembly on 9 September 2026 to close these loopholes and expand the ban to cover almost every remaining advertising channel. This guide breaks down the bill’s provisions, enforcement mechanisms, and broader implications for the gambling industry, regulators, and consumers.

The Problem with the Current 2024 Rules

The explanatory memorandum accompanying the bill states that parts of the 2024 package are simply not being applied. Compliance is not policed effectively, and operators have not acted in good faith. Specifically, the existing 5% cap on outdoor advertising—which limited billboard space for gambling ads to 5% of any outdoor provider’s total area—is neither observed nor controlled. The National Revenue Agency (NRA), which regulates gambling, cites organisational difficulties and, according to the memorandum, lacks the will to fix the issue.

Workarounds have become common. Examples include:

Bozhidar Bozhanov, co-chair of Yes, Bulgaria and deputy chair of the Democratic Bulgaria parliamentary group, told reporters that gambling advertising continues to run on national television and across entire cities despite the restrictions. He stressed that a full ban on gambling itself would require careful assessment due to the risk of driving players toward illegal operators, so the bill focuses strictly on eliminating advertising.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The proposed amendments rewrite the advertising article of the Gambling Act. Below is a detailed breakdown of what would be banned and how definitions are being expanded.

Expanded Scope of Media and Channels

New Categories Targeted

Three new categories of advertising channels are added:

  1. Digital platforms: Websites, online news services, mobile applications, and online platforms covered under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA).
  2. Programmatic advertising: Providers of online advertising services as defined by the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) would be subject to the ban.
  3. Direct marketing: Text messages, emails, or any other direct communication channels.

Tougher Warnings and Definitions

The mandatory gambling risk warning must now appear in a font and colour that is “clearly distinguishable” and “can be read without difficulty.” This effectively outlaws the tiny, camouflaged warnings currently used.

The definition of “gambling advertising” itself widens significantly. It now includes:

This closes the loophole where operators sponsor sports events or leagues and then display their branding without explicitly advertising gambling.

New Enforcement Powers for the National Revenue Agency (NRA)

The bill equips the NRA with stronger tools to detect and stop illegal advertising.

Centralised Reporting and Transparency

Direct Orders and Suspension Powers

The executive director of the NRA can:

Liability for Internet and Hosting Providers

This is a major shift from the current EU e-Commerce Directive’s standard “notice-and-action” framework, which often allows longer periods. The 12-hour deadline sets a strict benchmark for Bulgaria.

Measures Aimed at Unlicensed Operators

Three provisions in the bill target illegal gambling itself, not just advertising. These are designed to cut off financial and discovery channels for unlicensed operators.

Crypto-Asset and Trading Platforms

Crypto-asset service providers and trading platform operators would be prohibited from transferring crypto-assets intended for online gambling to or from:

This mirrors the existing ban on payment institutions and closes a growing avenue for circumvention using cryptocurrencies.

Cash Deposit Terminals

Cash deposit terminals (e.g., those found in convenience stores or betting shops) may not fund online betting accounts unless the customer’s identity is verified first. This prevents anonymous cash deposits from flowing to unlicensed sites.

Very Large Online Search Engines

Very large online search engines, as defined by the Digital Services Act, would be required to stop returning search results for unlicensed operators’ websites. This effectively forces platforms like Google to delist illegal gambling sites from Bulgarian search results.

Rationale and Political Context

Bozhanov explained to reporters that the bill’s focus is on removing advertising rather than imposing higher sanctions on gambling itself. A full ban on gambling remains off the table for now because it risks pushing consumers toward illegal, unregulated markets where player protection is nonexistent.

The Democratic Bulgaria party argues that the current regulatory environment is ineffective: compliance is low, enforcement is weak, and operators exploit every gap. The bill aims to create a “zero-tolerance” advertising framework where every channel—traditional, digital, outdoor, and direct—is covered.

Potential Impact on Industry and Consumers

If passed, the bill will have far-reaching consequences:

However, enforcement will remain key. The bill’s success hinges on the NRA’s willingness and capacity to use its new powers—something the explanatory memorandum itself questions.

Conclusion

Democratic Bulgaria’s proposed bill represents one of the most comprehensive gambling advertising bans in the European Union, covering not only traditional media but also digital platforms, direct marketing, and search engines. By closing loopholes that operators have exploited since 2024, it seeks to make the ban watertight. Whether the NRA can enforce it effectively—and whether the 12-hour takedown requirement complies with EU digital services rules—remains to be seen.