Bulgarian Football Authority Turns Down Proposed Ban on Advertisements for Gambling Activities
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Amidst Bulgaria's persistent political turmoil, another government election looms on the horizon. Simultaneously, there's a push for a nationwide ban on gambling advertisements in the country. The proposed legislation aims to tighten advertising laws, limiting the visibility of betting and gambling companies.
Despite a ban on direct advertising of gambling activities, a loophole in the regulations allows these companies to promote their products subtly. Consequently, Bulgaria is inundated with betting commercials, even during family-friendly hours, catching the eyes of kids under the legal gambling age of 18. Banners by betting operators are also a common sight around stadiums and public areas across the nation.
Bulgarian Football Union Stands Firm Against Advertising Ban
The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has voiced its opposition to the proposed advertising regulations change, aiming to prohibit advertising by gambling and betting companies. In a statement, the BFU stated, "We unequivocally condemn the proposed modification to the existing advertising regulations that would prohibit advertising by gambling and betting companies."
The BFU further emphasized that two-thirds of professional soccer clubs in Bulgaria benefit from partnerships with licensed bookmakers. These partnerships, according to the Union, aren't unique to Bulgaria as licensed gambling operators and bookmakers often collaborate with leading sports organizations globally. "Leading sports teams reap benefits from advertising deals with betting brands, contributing to the growth of the sport," the BFU wrote.
The BFU also underscored the vital role of the gambling industry in financing Bulgarian soccer clubs, both professional and amateur. The Union warned that cuts in funding could lead to the closure of these clubs.
In its statement, the Football Union contended that the poor performance of Bulgarian soccer teams isn't due to their partnerships with gambling companies but rather the lack of impartiality towards the sport by the country's politicians. The Union also accused these politicians of exploiting the proposed gambling ad ban for political gain. Finally, the Union appealed to lawmakers not to hinder the growth of soccer in the country.
However, political leaders like Bulgarian Parliament leader Kiselova have questioned the sector's heavy reliance on gambling-related funding for sports. Kiselova has advocated for distinguishing between illegal gambling operators and licensed, tax-paying companies instead of implementing a full ban on gambling companies' advertising in sports.
While some European countries are discussing whether to ban gambling ads in football, Bulgaria's approach focuses on tighter regulations and bans to curb illegal gambling activities and associated social harms like addiction and shadow economic activities. The authorities and gambling regulators in Bulgaria are working diligently to combat illegal gambling, which fuels criminal activities and unregulated market growth. These efforts and advertising bans may reduce some financial inflows from gambling sponsors to football clubs, but they aim to create a more transparent and legally compliant environment.
- The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) objects to the proposed legislation in Bulgaria that aims to ban advertising by gambling and betting companies, citing the financial benefits these partnerships provide for many professional soccer clubs in the country.
- The BFU's statement strongly condemns the modification to the existing advertising regulations, and argues that such a ban would hinder the growth of soccer in Bulgaria.
- The Union warns that cuts in funding due to a ban on advertising by gambling and betting companies could lead to the closure of Bulgarian soccer clubs, both professional and amateur.
- Bulgarian Parliament leader Kiselova, on the other hand, questions the heavy reliance of the Bulgarian sports sector on gambling-related funding and suggests distinguishing between illegal and licensed betting operators instead of a full ban on advertising.
- Efforts to combat illegal gambling activities and associated social harms like addiction and shadow economic activities in Bulgaria include tighter regulations, bans, and working diligently to reduce financial inflows from gambling sponsors to football clubs, in an attempt to create a more transparent and legally compliant environment.
