Serbia’s Zeleno-Levi Front (ZLF/Green-Left Front), a local green political party, is advocating for a total ban on gambling ads in the country. According to its representatives, banning all ads would be the most surefire way to protect the public from gambling harm.

The ZLF just organised the Games of Chance, Games with the Health of Citizens (Igre na sreću, igre sa zdravljem građana) forum, scrutinising the gaming industry and its negative consequences. During the forum, representatives slammed the government’s recent proposal to limit gambling ads, saying that this wouldn’t be enough.

For context, the government recently proposed a ban on gambling ads featuring prominent celebrities, mirroring similar measures in other regulated markets. For context, Serbian law currently allows professional athletes to advertise betting products, to safer gambling advocates’ dismay.

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The ZLF, however, believes that its total ban would be the most effective way to minimise potential harm. During the forum, National Assembly member Biljana Đorđević noted that the ZLF had submitted a ban proposal in March but regretted that the government had not responded to the proposal or discussed the matter.

Đorđević suggested that Minister of Internal and External Trade Tomislav Momirović has been avoiding the discussion. Momirović, for context, has previously suggested reducing the visibility of gambling ads by prohibiting ads on billboards on busier roads and streets.

Echoing arguments and concerns raised in other regulated markets, Đorđević said that having celebrities promote gambling exposed children to potential danger. Since younger audiences are more easily affected by marketing, this could cause them to associate betting as a normal part of sports.

ZLF MP Marina Mijatović repeated these claims, saying that the government has so far done a bad job at protecting minors from negative exposure to gambling. While Mijatović acknowledged that Serbia cannot prohibit gambling, she noted that the ads do not need to be so eye-catching and appealing.

Amusnet is set to be a prominent participant in the 15th edition of the Balkan Entertainment & Gaming Expo (BEGExpo), taking place in Sofia on November 27-28, showcasing its top-tier products across Online Casino, Live Casino and Land-based verticals.

Parallel to the expo, the esteemed casino provider will also participate in the prestigious BEGE Awards 2024, where Amusnet’s CEO, Ivo Georgiev, will be an Honorary Jury member. In this year’s edition, the company has been shortlisted in the following categories: Online Game of the Year and Slot Machine of the Year. Organised by the Association of the Gaming Industry in Bulgaria, the awards celebrate the remarkable impact of companies, organisations, and individuals in driving the positive growth of the gaming industry.

“For Amusnet, as an established leading international player, this expo offers a platform to celebrate excellence and connect with industry stakeholders to drive growth in the Balkans. It also strengthens the regional gaming community, which has a very strong legacy and worldwide recognition. We look forward to making a notable impact with our premium slot cabinets, reflecting our mission to provide full-spectrum gaming entertainment for diverse audiences. Additionally, the slot developed in partnership with Hristo Stoichkov further underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional gaming experiences both locally and globally,” said Ivo Georgiev, CEO at Amusnet.

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At BEGExpo, the company will officially present the Type S premium slot cabinets in Bulgaria, its first-ever product series for land-based casinos. It results from an impressive investment and two years of relentless dedication to R&D, technical design, construction, software and game portfolio precision. Powered by AMUSeBox, its slot machine multigame offers an exciting mix of signature and new casino titles, an intuitive interface and easy-to-use filters, which allow players to quickly explore a world of engaging Amusnet casino content, including the newest Stoichkov #8, Extra Crown Classic, Virtual Roulettes and more.

Celebrating 15 years of BEGE, Sofia Expo will transform itself again into the epicenter of the regional gaming industry from November 27-28. The annual gathering invites the industry’s key manufacturers, suppliers and customers for two days of business and networking. NOVOMATIC, as Europe’s largest gaming technology group, is naturally participating with a first-rate product range and unrivalled offerings dedicated to the Balkan markets.

The appealing DIAMOND X 1.55J cabinet will shine as one of the sophisticated product highlights at the NOVOMATIC stand #2.11, showcasing the latest Linked Progressives, such as CASH FLOOD Link and GODS & LEGENDS Link. Also being presented in the elegant DIAMOND X 1.55J cabinet will be the unique Linked Progressive XTENSION LINK Volume 2, which has quickly become a favourite with operators and players alike, with its clear above-floor average and regular top-floor performances in many casinos across different markets.

Visitors also shouldn’t miss out on the brand-new SUPERIA GAMES Link 1, which comprises 25 classic and recent titles from the renowned player favourites CASH CONNECTION and GOLDEN LINK. Furthermore, the outstanding BLACK EDITION II XL 3.32 will be presented with the exclusive NOVO LINE CASH CONNECTION Edition 4.

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The BLACK EDITION II 3.27, with three 27” screens starring the NOVO LINE Edition X4 and Impera Line HD Edition 9, guarantees exciting gaming fun and profitable variety in video slot entertainment.

Visitors can also enjoy an exciting entertainment programme on the NOVOMATIC stand and delicious catering from AdmiralBet Pub.

Miloš Pejić, NOVOMATIC Regional Manager SEE, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our customers to the extraordinary NOVOMATIC Experience at our stand. Whether you are focused on international markets or the Balkans, our product line up offers the best solution for everyone. We invite you to visit us, meet our team, and discover the best product variety for your needs. See you in Sofia!”