The Green Left Front (ZLF) has called for a total ban on gambling advertising in Serbia, arguing that it is the most effective way to safeguard public health.
During the forum titled “Games of Chance, Games with the Health of Citizens,” organised by the ZLF, members criticised the Serbian government’s draft proposal to limit gambling promotions by celebrities such as actors and singers, deeming it inadequate.
People’s Deputy Biljana Đorđević highlighted the ZLF’s stricter proposal, submitted in March, which calls for a complete prohibition of gambling advertisements. She expressed disappointment that the government has not initiated any dialogue on the matter.
The government’s current draft legislation still permits athletes to advertise gambling, raising concerns over their influence on younger audiences. Đorđević also criticised the absence of Minister of Internal and External Trade Tomislav Momirović in discussions on the issue, pointing to a lack of strong regulatory action.
She further condemned practices such as betting companies sponsoring sports clubs and hosting humanitarian campaigns, which, she argued, normalise gambling and make it appealing to children.
ZLF MP Marina Mijatović reiterated the urgent need for stricter measures, stating that the government’s current approach fails to protect vulnerable groups, particularly minors. According to Mijatović:
Games of chance can’t be abolished, but they don’t need excessive, flashy advertising that attracts undue attention. Gambling facilities should also avoid designs that draw people in, especially those battling addiction.
Minister Momirović has partially acknowledged these concerns, announcing plans to ban billboard advertisements for betting shops to reduce their street-level presence.
Despite this, the ZLF insists that broader, more comprehensive measures are essential to address the public health risks associated with gambling.