Bulgaria’s ruling Progressive Bulgaria party has officially published a draft reform of the country’s Gambling Act for public consultation, proposing an extensive, near-total ban on all gambling advertising across the country. Drafted by Prime Minister Roumen Radev’s cabinet, the proposal seeks to replace current regulations with sweeping statutory restrictions covering all major public marketing and communication channels.
Under the draft legislation, any advertising of gambling games, licensed operators, brand trademarks, and distinctive company signage is fully prohibited across television, radio, print, outdoor billboards, online websites, social media platforms, mobile applications, and video streaming services. Only tightly defined exceptions remain: licensed operators may display game-related and participation information directly on their official websites and within their land-based casino premises. Casino façade signage will be restricted to no more than 20% of the building exterior and capped at a maximum of 50 square meters, with at least 10% of that space dedicated to a mandatory warning on gambling addiction risks, while any dynamic, illuminated, or moving signs are banned entirely. Sports sponsorships are permitted strictly for physical branding on apparel and stadium fixtures, while digital brand overlays during match broadcasts are outlawed.
For iGaming operators and affiliate partners, the proposed reform signals a complete overhaul of marketing acquisition in the Bulgarian market. Crucially, the measure would eliminate the local affiliate sector: just one month after Bulgaria introduced an official licensing regime for affiliates, the new draft decrees that all active affiliate licenses will be terminated effective 1 January 2027. The public consultation remains open until 23 October 2026 before the legislation heads to parliament for formal debate.
Source: SBC News