Key points:
- ZLF is advocating for a total ban on gambling advertising in Serbia, criticising the current Government’s lenient approach
- Concerns were raised about gambling promotions by athletes, who are argued to significantly influence children
- The Serbian Government has proposed restrictions, including billboard advertising bans, but ZLF argues these measures are insufficient
The Green Left Front (ZLF) has called for a complete ban on gambling advertising in Serbia, deeming it the most effective way to protect public health.
The forum "Games of Chance, Games with the Health of Citizens", organised by ZLF, criticised the current Serbian government’s draft proposal to limit gambling promotions by actors and singers, arguing that such measures are insufficient.
People's Deputy Biljana Đorđević emphasised that the ZLF’s more stringent proposal, submitted in March, advocates a total prohibition of gambling advertising. Despite this submission, Đorđević noted that the Government has yet to initiate a dialogue on the matter.
The current Government’s draft legislation, which excludes a comprehensive advertising law, currently allows athletes to advertise gambling – raising concerns due to their influence on younger audiences.
Đorđević also questioned the absence of Tomislav Momirović, the Minister of Internal and External Trade, from discussions about the issue, highlighting the lack of a robust approach to advertising regulation.
She criticised the practice of betting companies sponsoring sports clubs and organising humanitarian campaigns, which can normalise gambling and appeal to children.
ZLF MP Marina Mijatović reiterated the need to prohibit gambling advertising, arguing that current government measures fail to adequately protect vulnerable groups, particularly minors.
According to Mijatović: "Games of chance can't be abolished, but they don't need all those advertisements to be flashy and attract so much attention. ZLF also advocates that gambling facilities should not attract attention and provoke people, especially those struggling with addiction."
Minister of Internal and External Trade Tomislav Momirović has partially acknowledged these concerns, announcing plans to prohibit betting shops from advertising on billboards to reduce street-level visibility.
However, the ZLF maintains that more comprehensive measures are necessary to mitigate the risks of gambling harm.
