ZLF Pushes for Complete Gambling Advertising Ban in Serbia

What is the best way to safeguard public health and protect vulnerable groups from gambling harm? The Green Left Front (ZLF) believes the answer lies in a complete ban on gambling advertising in Serbia. Citing concerns over the government’s lenient measures and the influence of gambling promotions on children and at-risk individuals, ZLF has launched a campaign for stricter reforms. With gambling addiction on the rise, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

ZLF Demands a Complete Ban on Gambling Advertising in Serbia: Protecting Vulnerable Groups from Harm

Key Points:

1. The Green Left Front (ZLF) calls for a total ban on gambling advertising in Serbia, criticizing the government’s leniency.
2. ZLF raises concerns about gambling promotions by athletes, citing their influence on children and vulnerable groups.
3. Current government proposals, including billboard bans, are deemed insufficient to mitigate the risks of gambling addiction.

At the forum “Games of Chance, Games with the Health of Citizens,” ZLF emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive gambling advertising restrictions.

Biljana Đorđević, People’s Deputy and ZLF advocate, criticized the Serbian government’s draft legislation, which proposes limited advertising restrictions for singers and actors but permits athletes to promote gambling. She argued that athletes wield significant influence over young audiences, normalizing gambling and increasing its appeal.

Đorđević also called out the government’s lack of dialogue on the matter, noting that the ZLF submitted a stricter proposal for an advertising ban in March, which has yet to be addressed.

Concerns Over Gambling’s Influence

Marina Mijatović, ZLF MP, reiterated the need to curb gambling advertisements entirely. She highlighted the adverse impact of flashy ads and betting shops that attract attention, particularly among children and individuals struggling with addiction.

Mijatović stated:
“Games of chance can’t be abolished, but gambling facilities don’t need to provoke attention through flashy advertisements. Vulnerable groups must be protected.”

The ZLF also raised concerns about betting companies sponsoring sports clubs and organizing humanitarian campaigns, which they argue normalize gambling and blur ethical lines.

Government Response: Incremental Steps, Insufficient Solutions

Serbia’s Minister of Internal and External Trade, Tomislav Momirović, has announced plans to restrict billboard advertising for betting shops. While this measure aims to reduce gambling’s visibility at street level, the ZLF argues that it falls short of addressing the core issue.

The absence of a comprehensive advertising law remains a critical gap, leaving loopholes that allow gambling promotions to persist in various forms.

The ZLF’s demand for a complete ban on gambling advertising reflects an urgent need to prioritize public health over commercial interests. While the Serbian government has proposed incremental restrictions, these measures fail to address the root causes of gambling harm.

Protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children and individuals struggling with addiction, requires bold action. A total ban, as advocated by ZLF, would send a strong message about Serbia’s commitment to combating gambling addiction and creating a safer environment for all. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed these calls for comprehensive reform.