The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is against the Gaming Law that the Minister of Consumption, Alberto Garzón, wants to implement. The EGBA believes that the Gaming Law will cause more illegal gambling in Spain.
Last July, Alberto Garzón presented a more restrictive Royal Decree to the European Commission, which is considerably different from the one proposed months before. The EGBA considers that the new Gaming Law will lead to a very significant increase in illegal gambling in Spain. A fact that will put players at risk, since in the framework of illegality, users lack protection and security against the law.
EGBA believes that the Gaming Law will cause more illegal gambling in Spain
The European institution ensures that abolishing the advertising of the game in the media and in sport will only harm the sector and increase illegal gambling in the country. Illegal gambling in Spain is a reality. Only between April and May of this year more than 400 illegal websites were blocked and advertising restrictions will raise the figures even more.
Currently the body in charge of regulating legal betting operators and houses in Spain is the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ). Among the functions of the DGOJ is to publicize the legal operators in Spain. Any national or international operator that wishes to operate in Spain needs the license issued by said body.
In-game advertising benefits both parties. On the one hand, players need to be protected by law, game security and the protection of user data. For its part, the legal game allows the Administration to better fight against tax fraud and money laundering. Furthermore, gambling operators and bookmakers represent a significant percentage of revenue for the public coffers.
Comparative tort between the public and private sectors
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the EGBA, is concerned and warns of the dire consequences of bringing legal and illegal gambling on the same level.The European institution urges the Spanish Government to review the Royal Decree again before its approval in October. The EGBA works in favor of responsible gaming advertising, protecting the consumer and the industry. Furthermore, the EGBA considers it a comparative offense that the Gaming Law only applies to the private sector and the public sector, which represents 65% of income, is exempt.
Negative impact on soccer
The measures of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs also affect sport. If the Gaming Law is approved, Spanish clubs will not be able to advertise betting houses or gaming operators. Most of the First and Second Division clubs have some commercial link with the operators. Just a few days ago Betis and Betway signed a collaboration agreement. It is estimated that the clubs have stopped earning around 80 million euros in advertising.
