The Council of Ministers has approved the Royal Decree that regulates the advertising of games of chance and betting houses in Spain. The new Gaming Law aims to protect users, mainly minors and other vulnerable groups, from the risk that online gambling can entail.
“We lived in a kind of law of the jungle, any operator could publish whatever message he wanted and at any time,” said the Minister of Consumption, Alberto Garzón. The gaming industry, touched and sunk.
Main measures
Main measures approved in the Royal Decree that regulates gaming advertising in Spain are:
- The new gambling regulation prevents advertising in any medium, printed or digital, outside the time slot from 1 to 5 in the morning.
- The use of athletes or famous people to promote gaming operators is prohibited.
- Promotional bonuses cannot be used to attract new players. Gambling operators may make use of promotions to already registered customers, as long as they are not part of vulnerable groups. The bonds will have a limitation of 100 euros.
- Restriction of sponsorships in sports activities. Football clubs must terminate contracts with bookmakers before August 30. The use of advertising on T-shirts or any other sports equipment is prohibited. Advertising is also not allowed in stadiums.
- Sports event betting advertising is limited from 1 to 5 in the morning.
- Advertising may not be sent by post.
- Advertising through email can only be carried out if the user gives their consent.
- Parental control is included through ad blocking mechanisms.
- Advertising may not be directed to minors.
Million dollar penalties for non-compliance
The message of the bookmakers should always avoid the compulsive stimulus of the game. You must also specify the dangerousness and negative consequences of the game.
Since the publication of the BOE, dated November 4, 2020, new contracts can no longer be signed. The regulations officially come into force on August 30 for those bookmakers that have signed advertising contracts before the approval of the Royal Decree. Regarding bonuses and internet advertising, it comes into effect from May 1, 2021. And the use of athletes or public figures, from April 1, 2021.
The penalties for non-compliance will be millionaire. Operators that breach the rule must pay fines between 100,000 and one million euros. In addition to the suspension of activity for a maximum of six months.
