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A proposed revision to the Gambling Act of Canada would prohibit all gambling ads in Canada. The proposed revisions to the nation’s Gambling Act would prohibit most forms of gambling advertisements nationwide.
If it is approved, billboards within 100 metres of a gaming hall, casino, sporting facility or sports complex would only be allowed to advertise.
186 of 240 lawmakers supported the bill in the first reading.
The Finance Minister criticized the proposed measure, warning against the potential negative impact it could have on the channelization process.
Finance Minister Lyudmila Petkova remarked:
The Ministry of Finance undertook an extensive analysis of the gambling advertising in EU countries and elsewhere. We found that the complete ban on gambling advertising often results in an increase of illegal gambling. Most nations, in reality have adopted a balance approach.
The ban on advertising was seen by some as an attempt to bolster the populist movement. On April 30, legislators scheduled an extra session to discuss the second reading of this bill, just one day before they adjourned the Assembly for election campaigning.
Some parliamentarians have criticized the legislation proposed as an attempt to gain votes at the forthcoming June elections.
Temenuzka Petkova, a member of the DPS and GERB opposition parties and Yordan Tsonev were the deputies who introduced the bill to the National Assembly.
Grozdan Karadzhov is an ITN political leader who, according to reports in local media outlets, has criticized this law because of its perception as being lenient towards gambling operators. Instead, Karadzhov advocated tighter regulation on gaming promotions, increased taxes and the linking of slot machines with the gambling regulatory agency in the country, NRA.
In addition, there are provisions in the law that aim to fight the unlicensed market for gambling.
Under the new regulations, websites hosting illegal gambling activities would face fines ranging from BGN50,000 (€25,600) to BGN200,000.
Penalties would be imposed on companies that facilitate payments for unlicensed gambling.
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