Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has opted not to veto the proposed amendments to the Gambling Law, which include a ban on gambling advertisements in the media.

President Radev had previously indicated that he was considering the changes to the Gambling Law and was awaiting input from his advisors before making a final decision.

Despite objections from media outlets, gambling operators, sports clubs, and other businesses between the readings, the prohibition on gambling advertisements in the media was approved by a significant majority of deputies during the final session of the 49th National Assembly. Some stakeholders argued that public discussion should precede the adoption of such a significant measure.

The initiative for these amendments came from GERB and DPS and was introduced unexpectedly during the final days of the 49th National Assembly by Yordan Tsonev (DPS) and Temenuzka Petkova (GERB). The bill rapidly moved through the legislative process, passing its first reading in the budget committee and subsequently receiving approval in the plenary session. An extraordinary meeting of the Committee on Budget and Finance was convened to expedite the voting on the amendments before deputies began their pre-election recess.

Controversial Ban on Gambling Ads

The new amendments, which include a total ban on gambling advertisements in the media, have sparked controversy. Various stakeholders have expressed their concerns and objections. Media outlets, gambling operators, sports clubs, and other businesses affected by the law have argued against the ban, suggesting that a public discussion should precede such a significant legislative change. However, despite these objections, the amendments were passed with a substantial majority.

President Radev’s decision not to veto the amendments has finalized the legislative process, bringing about significant changes to the Gambling Law in Bulgaria The new prohibition on gambling advertisements in the media marks a substantial shift in the regulatory landscape for gambling in the country. Despite the objections and calls for public debate, the amendments have been approved and will soon come into effect.

Source: “Bulgarian President Approves Gambling Law Amendments”. European Gaming. May 17, 2024.

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High-profile Bulgarian media companies have raised their voices in opposition to a proposed ban on gambling advertising, expressing concerns over its potential impact on media revenue streams and journalistic freedom. They criticized the government for lacking foresight, alleging that some parties would use the situation to influence the media space before the upcoming elections.

The Changes Could Do More Harm than Good

The new bill calls for a prohibition on gambling advertisements across various media platforms, including television, radio, newspapers, and online sites. While outdoor advertising in specific locations would still be permitted, the proposed ban has drawn criticism from media industry stakeholders who believe the bill does not aim to protect consumers but to suppress freedom of speech.

Former prime minister Nikolai Denkov highlighted the threat the ban poses to media outlets, emphasizing the significant revenue loss and increased dependency on other funding sources it could entail. He also drew attention to rising concerns about the potential suppression of media freedom, with industry experts warning against the adverse effects of legislative interference.

Let’s hope that (the proposal) is an oversight. The worse option is if somebody in a position of power – in this case, legislative power – is trying to strike a targeted blow against media freedom.

Nikolai Denkov, former PM

Leading journalists noted that social media platforms, banners, and targeted advertisements would remain unaffected, expressing concerns over the rising prevalence of underage gambling. They highlighted that vulnerable groups like children did not engage with traditional media, and the bill would only increase the prevalence of gambling ads in the digital space, exacerbating existing issues.

Leading media conglomerate Nova Broadcasting Group expressed apprehension over the ban’s impact on sports broadcasts, particularly those related to high-profile events like the European football championship. Similarly, Net Info group, which operates numerous popular websites in Bulgaria, underscored the potential hardships it would face without gambling-related revenues.

The Association of Bulgarian Broadcasters (ABRO) shared this opinion, cautioning against the ban’s implications for media sustainability, citing the importance of advertising revenue in supporting quality journalism. Meanwhile, the Technology Industry Alliance raised concerns about the ban’s feasibility in enforcing restrictions on internet platforms, citing potential conflicts with EU law.

As demonstrated in other European markets, advertising restrictions lead to an increase in unlicensed operators, consequently impairing the state’s ability to collect taxes from gambling activities and to provide adequate consumer protections.

Stilian Shishkov, Sportal Media Group CEO

As the debate over the proposed ban continues, affected parties are urging policymakers to consider the bill’s broader implications and either consider a substantial overhaul or cancel it. The outcome of the upcoming vote on the ban will likely shape the future landscape of gambling advertising regulation in Bulgaria, necessitating a careful and comprehensive approach.

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The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has handed sanctions to a French athlete and a Bulgarian tennis official. Both offenders have been suspended for long periods of time because of previous offenses.

According to the ITIA, the French tennis pro Leny Mitjana has been handed a ten-year suspension because of 11 violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). In addition to that, the player was handed a $20,000 fine.

According to the tennis regulatory body, Mitjana, who has a career-high world singles ranking of 458, was involved in match-fixing efforts. While the athlete denied the charges, Philippe Cavalieros, an independent anti-corruption hearing officer (AHO) found him liable for multiple TACP breaches.

The AHO said that Mitjana is guilty of facilitating wagering, contriving the outcome of matches, influencing other players not to use their best efforts in matches and failing to report corrupt approaches.

The suspension will run from December 22, 2023, to December 21, 2033. During that period, Mitjana will be prohibited from playing in, coaching at or attending any tennis event sanctioned by the ITIA or any national association.

Stefan Milanov Was Suspended for Sixteen Years

A few days later, the ITIA also announced the suspension of Stefan Milanov, a Bulgarian tennis official who also violated the TACP. AHO Amani Khalifa investigated the matter and found Milanov guilty of committing a whopping 17 TACP violations.

For reference, the breaches relate to five matches Milanov umpired in 2021. These included five breaches related to direct or indirect wagering facilitations, five counts of scoring data delay or manipulation, five violations relating to direct or indirect attempts to conspire to commit a corruption offense and two failures to cooperate with the ITIA investigation.

A national-level official, Milanov failed to respond to the allegations, which the ITIA considers to constitute an admission of liability. He was therefore suspended for 16 years and slapped with a $75,000 fine.

As a result, Milanov will now be unable to officiate at or attend any tennis event authorized or sanctioned by members of the ITIA or any national association. The official sanction will run from December 28, 2023, to December 27, 2039.

Previously, the ITIA handed a 10-year suspension to the Slovenian tennis umpire Marko Ducman who also violated the TACP.

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Borislav Mihaylov, the controversial president of the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) is being investigated for participation in match-fixing and ties to illegal lottery operators. This is not the first time Mihaylov has been accused of similar dealings.  

The investigation comes soon after a mass protest in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital and will see the Prosecutor’s Office probe into Mihaylov to see if the allegations are founded in reality. According to the office, multiple recent media reports have claimed that ties exist between the soccer president and foreign black market lottery operators (simply referred to as black lottery).

As mentioned, this is not the first time Mihaylov has made headlines with his alleged relationship with foreign black lottery companies. BIRD.bg, an investigation and data journalism project previously reported that in 2011, Mihaylov celebrated New Year in the company of Tan Seet Eng, a match-fixing specialist from Singapore.  

For reference, Tan Seet Eng, also known as Dan Tan, is a controversial figure who has been involved in multiple match-fixing scandals.

Bulgarian Soccer Fans Are Unhappy with Mihaylov’s Reign

As mentioned, the current investigation comes in the wake of a huge protest on the streets of Sofia that saw many soccer fans express their disgruntlement with Mihaylov. According to multiple fervent fans, Mihaylov’s almost two-decade-long reign as president of the union has led to a steady decline within the Bulgarian soccer sector.

The president’s opponents accused him of turning Bulgaria into a “soccer dwarf” and making a string of bad decisions. The protests exploded around the BFU’s decision to not allow audiences at the European Qualifiers match between Bulgaria and Hungary.

Some claim that Mihaylov’s goal has always been to “hide” the game to avoid on-stadium protests. According to the allegations, this may be further attested by the BFU’s earlier plans to move the game to Plovdiv, another big Bulgarian city.

In a recent speech at The National Assembly, however, Mihaylov claimed that the protests had been caused by paid actors. While the BFU president was unable to back up these claims with facts, he further suggested that the protests may have been sparked by Dimitar Berbatov, his main competitor for the position.

Mihaylov even added that he is proud of the BFU’s recent work, claiming that its recent decisions have managed to “save lives.” He said that he refuses to be turned into a “scapegoat” by his opponents and refused to take responsibility for the damages caused by the recent protests against him.

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Bulgaria’s National Revenue Agency (NRA), the country’s government department responsible for the regulation of gambling, announced that self-excluded people are not be allowed to work for casino companies.

According to the NRA, people who are included in the country’s newly-introduced self-exclusion register are prohibited from working with gambling operators. Employers must also adhere to a special norm outlined in Bulgaria’s gambling laws, the NRA noted.

As announced by the agency, gambling companies that violate this rule and employ self-excluded people risk a fine of between 5,000 and 20,000 Bulgarian leva (around $2,800-$11,250).

For reference, the NRA also prohibits people in the national self-exclusion register from entering gambling establishments. Armed people, uniformed people and minors also may not enter a casino, as well as people without ID or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Operators are required to make sure that the players they allow on the premises of gambling properties are not self-excluded. Bulgaria’s national register, however, is not public and is available only to certain NRA members and operators that request access for safer gambling purposes.

Thousands of Bulgarian Players Are Excluded from Gambling

Bulgaria re-launched its national self-exclusion program in December, 2022, allowing Bulgarian citizens to exclude themselves from gambling for two or more years. The NRA invites people who believe themselves to be high-risk customers or problem players to sign up in the register and shield themselves from gambling.

To do so, players must visit a NRA office and fill in a document or sent the document digitally to the NRA’s official email address. Players can learn more about the register on the NRA’s official website.

In the meantime, the list of self-excluded persons continues to grow, according to the agency. Recent data shows that some 11,500 people are excluded from gambling now. This figure is based on data collected in June, 2023, and represents a significant growth from the 7,000 excluded people recorded in April, 2023.

Bulgaria’s Gaming Market Looks Promising

Bulgaria’s budding gaming market makes the country an attractive destination for international operators and suppliers. This is underscored by the high number of companies seeking to expand their footprint in the Balkan country.

Just now, Kaizen teamed up with 7777 gaming, agreeing to power its Betano Bulgaria brand with content. Prior to that, Spinomenal teamed up with Palms Bet and Alphawin, expanding its presence in the country.

Palms Bet, on the other hand, also secured solutions from Altenar.

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The innovative supplier has agreed to a partnership with WINBET, which is touted as one of the country’s largest operators and providers of licensed online casino products. As a result, Wazdan will roll out 30 of its games onto WINBET, including established classics such as Magic Spins, Larry the Leprechaun and 9 Coins.

Wazdan Makes It Big with Sixth Operator in Bulgaria

This is an important milestone for Wazdan as well, as it’s the supplier’s sixth partnership in the country, following similar negotiations with INBET, Sesame, Alphawin, Palms Bet, and 8888.bg. The fact that more operators have sought to tap into the supplier’s games is proof that the company has been delivering the type of content that players expect and want.

WINBET is a fairly new casino in Bulgaria, established in 2015. It has been able to grow rapidly and now offers more than 1500 slot games, live casino tables, and jackpot systems all across the country. The platform has also introduced a sports betting experience, covering 30 different sports, and it has innovated the way customers can deposit, negotiating cutting-edge deals with mobile phone carriers to empower players to use mobile payment solutions.

Wazdan CEO Michael Imiolek commented that his company has grown very quickly in the country and that it was great to see the supplier work with another prominent operator such as WINBET. Imiolek added:

Our games have so far been embraced by Bulgarian customers and with even more people able to discover our innovative, acclaimed games, we’re excited to see the reception!

Wazdan CEO Michael Imiolek

Great Opportunity to Provide More Quality Content and Grow

WINBET online operations director Victor Perenovski was similarly pleased to see the partnership form. He said that the operator was confident that with the help of Wazdan, WINBET will continue to provide players in Bulgaria with some of the best online casino products.

“We are sure that with this partnership we will further expand our positions on the market and will also enrich our consumer offering,” Perenovski.

Wazdan has also been growing its global footprint. The company recently inked a deal with SCCCG Management to expand in North America and launched a $1-million promotion that commenced on May 15 and will be running for the next three months.

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