On March 20, 2025, the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) hosted the event “An Evening with a Cause,” organized by the Student Council of UNWE, the National Representation of Student Councils (NRSC), and the Association of Organizers of Gambling Games and Activities in Bulgaria (AOGGAB). The goal of the event was to raise awareness about the risks of gambling addiction and encourage responsible behavior among students.

An Event Uniting Different Perspectives

The event began with welcoming words from official representatives, who expressed their support for the initiative. Amongs them were the rector of UNWE, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, the president of the Student Council at UNWE, Iliyan Chabukliyski, and the president of AOGGAB, Milen Totev. They emphasized the importance of preventing gambling addiction among young people and thanked everyone who supported the event.

Prof. Dimitrov stated, “This is a wonderful event with an important cause that should be widely promoted. I believe that this initiative has a great significance for society and is an important step towards better prevention.” Iliyan Chabukliyski added, “For the first time, two opposing sides—the industry and psychologists—are coming together on one stage. This is extremely important because students have the opportunity to get acquainted with the topic and make an informed decision regarding gambling.”

Milen Totev from AOGGAB shared, “Prevention of gambling addiction is crucial for society, with students being one of the most vulnerable groups. We thank everyone who support the initiative and hope to continue working together for better awareness among young people”.

Humor as a Way to Create a Positive and Open Environment

One of the key highlights of the event was the participation of Ivan Dinev – Ustata, who shared his personal experience with gambling addiction. His stand-up show “The Stars from the Back” combined humor and openness, not only entertaining the audience but also delivering serious messages about the importance of gambling addiction prevention.

“Gambling should be seen only as entertainment, not as a way to solve personal or financial problems,” emphasized Ustata. His involvement created a pleasant atmosphere that encouraged students to actively participate in the discussion. One of the students shared that he plays blackjack solely for fun and recognize the risks of gambling, reinforcing the main idea of the event: that gambling should be played responsibly.

Psychology of Addiction

During the event, a panel with psychologist Maria Ganina was included, providing valuable information about the psychological aspects of gambling addiction. Mrs. Ganina discussed the risk factors for developing an addiction and how the social environment, age, and various types of issues could play a role in this process. “Gambling addiction is not about the game itself, but how it fits into our lives. When gambling becomes a way to avoid emotional problems, it starts to lead to serious consequences,” she added.

“Prevention starts with each of us having a responsible attitude,” she further emphasized, pointing out that it is important to set boundaries and realize that excessive participation in gambling can lead to serious consequences.

Active Student Participation and Support for the Initiative

The event provided students with the opportunity to ask questions and share personal experiences about gambling. Many expressed their opinions and supported the initiative. The discussions and questions added value to the event, creating an open and productive atmosphere.
At the end of the event, representatives of UNWE and the industry expressed their desire to continue collaborating and organizing similar initiatives in the future. “These initiatives will continue to provide valuable information to students and inform them about the risks and ways to participate responsibly in gambling activities,” summarized PR manager of AOGGAB, Stelian Dimitrov, who was also the host and initiator of the event.