Moldova Passes First Reading on Gambling Advertising Rules
Moldova’s Parliament has approved the first reading of changes to gambling advertising regulations. The bill balances restrictions on high risk gambling with limited advertising of low risk gambling to address enforcement issues and support local sports and media.
Controlled Advertising
The draft law, submitted by Deputies Radu Marian and Dorian Istratii, aims to solve the problems of enforcing a total ban on gambling advertising. It allows advertising of low risk gambling activities, such as lotteries and sports betting, under certain conditions. Advertising will only be allowed between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM and live broadcasts of international sports events can be sponsored by gambling operators.
According to Radu Marian, head of the Economy, Budget, and Finance Commission and co-author of the draft law, “The majority of advertising restrictions will remain in place. The most invasive forms, such as online ads and outdoor banners, will continue to be prohibited. Advertising for high-risk gambling activities like slot machines and casinos also remains banned.”
Social Responsibility
The law requires mandatory warnings about the negative effects of gambling, which must occupy at least 20% of the ad’s duration or space. This will ensure transparency and aligns with the government’s efforts to combat gambling harm.
Also, advertising will be allowed in printed public and private media, with a 15% limit on the space occupied by gambling ads per issue. Materials for lottery advertising, up to A4 size, can be placed at authorized retail points of sale.
Supporting Local
The revenue from low risk gambling advertising will fund sports and social initiatives and will encourage local media production. “The resources allocated to lottery and sports betting advertising can be directed towards supporting sports activities and social projects in our country,” the authors of the draft said.
Since the public-private partnership was established in 2018 between the National Lottery of Moldova and private operators, the gambling industry has contributed MDL 607 million to the national budget. The new bill foresees direct investments of at least MDL 30 million annually in sports and local content.
The draft law will be sent to the second reading in Parliament where the final scope of the regulations will be defined. As Radu Marian said, “This initiative aims to strike a balance between maintaining strict controls and creating opportunities to support Moldova’s development.”
