Ban on gambling ads in Australia, a ban on lotteries in Ukraine and a relaxation of laws in Bulgaria
Bulgaria permitted bloggers to advertise online casinos via social networks. In Ukraine, the authorities took the decision to temporarily block the websites of two state lottery operators. In Australia, former prime ministers and other notable figures proposed a three-year ban on gambling advertising.
Bulgaria allowed bloggers to promote gambling activities
Bulgarian National Tax Agency (NRA) has determined that the recently implemented prohibition on gambling advertising does not cover social media, a decision that has sparked considerable debate. The confusion arises from the recently introduced stringent restrictions on the promotion of gambling in all media, including online media.
A recently published document by NRA Director Rumen Spetsov has clarified that social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube do not fall under the legal definition of "media" as outlined in the Bulgarian Broadcasting Act.
The NRA's rationale for allowing bloggers' pages on social networks to display advertising content is that it is an optional subscription. Nevertheless, this position has sparked a wave of criticism, as many believe it contradicts the original intent of the law passed in May. The advertising ban was introduced to reduce the impact of gambling on vulnerable groups, including children, who are increasingly spending more time online.
Ukrainian state lottery sites blocked until martial law is lifted
In response to the current circumstances, Ukraine has taken the measure of blocking access to the websites of two state lottery operators: the Ukrainian National Lottery (UNL) and M.S.L. This decision was made by the State Service for Special Communication and Information Protection of Ukraine. According to the relevant document, this blocking will remain in place until the conclusion of the current martial law situation or its formal abolition.
It should be noted that the websites of the two lottery operators still continue to function, albeit with minor interruptions.
Former prime ministers urge a total ban on gambling advertising in Australia
In Australia, a coalition of former prime ministers and numerous influential figures in the public sphere have proposed a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising. In an open letter, they requested that the government implement a ban on gambling advertising on television and the Internet within three years.
A report published in June 2023 proposed a complete ban on gambling advertising. However, the government is now considering more lenient measures, including a limit of two advertisements per hour before 10 p.m. on television and a ban on advertising one hour before and after live broadcasts. Internet advertising is likely to be banned.
The authors of the letter highlighted the negative impact of gambling, noting that Australians lose approximately 25 billion Australian dollars annually. They also emphasized the detrimental effects of gambling addiction, which can lead to financial loss, mental and physical health issues, family breakdown, and domestic violence. The former Prime Minister stated that the harm caused by gambling advertising is significant and expressed concern about the situation.
