Political party ITN wants to raise minimum age requirement from 18 to 21
Gambling associations in Bulgaria’s gambling industry are calling on the Government to axe a draft bill that would increase the legal gambling age from 18 to 21, saying the move would push young gamblers to the black market.
The Gambling Industry Association, the Bulgarian Gaming Association, the Bulgarian Association of Gambling Activities and the Coalition of Gambling Providers are calling for legislators in Bulgaria’s 51st National Assembly to reject the proposal at first reading.
Political party ITN submitted amendments to the Gambling Act to prevent anyone under 21 from gambling.
It said: “The proposed changes relate to both land-based and online gambling. We believe that this will contribute to the correct development of our young citizens, who will be occupied with activities other than those leading to heightened risks of addiction and negative impact on their lives.”
However, the country’s gambling associations countered: “We insist that the draft not be considered on its merits and that it be rejected at first reading, as it is unconstitutional, economically and socially inexpedient, and was prepared without the necessary impact analysis.”
“If the constitution considers those who are 18 years of age to be mature enough to choose who governs the country and have their say on important societal questions, it is then only logical for them to also be able to decide whether or not they participate in gambling.”
“Introducing an exception only for gambling activities is unjustified, contradicts the principle of equality and creates a dangerous precedent for restricting the rights of adult citizens. No impact assessment has been presented to take into account how restricting access to gambling for a certain segment of able-bodied citizens will affect the revenues from legal gambling, the social system and the behavior of young people.
“The legislative initiative is being made “blindly”, without consulting experts and stakeholders, which is contrary to good legislative practices. The introduction of a restriction without empirical justification is unjustified and ineffective. The current legal framework in the Gambling Act already provides adequate measures to protect vulnerable persons, clearly distinguishing between minors and adults.”
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Political party ITN wants to raise minimum age requirement from 18 to 21 Gambling associations in Bulgaria’s gambling industry are calling on the Government to axe a draft bill that would increase the legal gambling age from 18 to 21, saying the move would push young gamblers to the black market. The Gambling Industry Association,…
The post Bulgarian gambling associations fight back against proposed minimum age increase appeared first on G3 Newswire.