Spain Is About To Consider Gambling Advertising Restrictions
Gambling advertising is the promotion of gambling by online casinos, bookmakers or other organizations which provide the opportunity to make bets. Usually, it is conducted through a variety of media or sponsorship deals. However, when someone is advertising gambling it could potentially lead to negative effects on the young generation. Recently, there have been many concerns regarding the advertising of some products and services, including gambling. This is because vulnerable people and youths might develop problem gambling behaviours leading to an unstable financial situation. Regardless of the fact that gambling is generally legal, many people do not know how to play responsibly. They do not take into account the recommendation all leading online casinos provide them with and thereby go bankrupt. In order to prevent this, Spain is about to consider gambling advertising restrictions
Gambling Advertising
Gambling advertising has become a hot issue in the gambling industry. This is because many online casinos try to do their utmost in order to reduce exposure to underage players. Within the gambling industry, it is not a secret that there is a massive issue when it comes to children being involved in gambling. Many counties worldwide face this issue, the UK and Spain for instance. In November 2018, empirical research evidence that 55000 children between the ages of 11-16 have an addiction to gambling. Although the numbers for online gambling are not that high we cannot deny the fact this is troublesome. The Internet has infiltrated our lifestyle so much that it can be a danger to the young generation. But how exactly are we supposed to overcome this hinder? The Minister of Consumer Affairs for Spain, Alberto Garzón, has outlined plans to restrict gambling advertising in the country. The politician went on to say that: “The regulation has to be similar to tobacco. We are not regulating the textile sector here, but a sector that has an impact on public health.”
A Winning Campaign
Alberto Garzón is a member of the Unidas Podemos political party. His party formed a coalition with the Socialist Party in January so as to win the elections. During the election campaign, the Unidas Podemos party expressed its willingness to protect youth and addicts from the dangerous effects of gambling. As far as the proposed laws are concerned, TV gambling advertising will be cut by as much as 80%. Likewise, gambling companies will not be allowed to hire celebrities to market their products. A further proposed law is to prevent football clubs from distributing their shirts to children if they are sponsored by a gambling company. Even though, these laws will be only applicable in Spain, imagine their possible effect in the UK. For instance, the fact the 32Red Casino sponsors Wayne Rooney's football team, Derby County. Last year, the Spanish government threatened online operators to impose tighter restrictions. As a result, all brands agreed on a voluntary advertising code. This particular code includes provisions such as not to involve famous athletes in gambling advertising and the addition of responsible gambling messaging in all advertisement. Whether the new laws, suggested by Garzón will be successful, is a question for the future, as his recommendations will be discussed by the cabinet before being put to Parliament.
Final Considerations
The question what will happen in the near future is as elusive as ever. New regulations? A blanket ban, maybe? No one knows for sure yet. All we currently know is that people have great awareness of the issue and they do not want to be apathetic. Leading online casinos took this courageous move to reduce their advertising on the Internet. PlayOJO perfectly exemplifies this as the reputable brand cut television adverts in Sweden last year. If online casino operators really do care about responsible gambling, they should review their advertising strategies and schedules and do everything they can to limit potential exposure to this under 18 years of age. Until this happens, we wholeheartedly encourage you to learn how to play responsibly and we wish you good luck!
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