The siege to the gaming industry sector is increasing. FACUA demands a ban on credit cards in casinos. Facua and the Association of Financial Users have asked the Minister of Consumption, Alberto Garzón, to prohibit the use of credit cards to place bets online and their use in physical establishments. Both associations urge the new minister to toughen the Gambling Law in order to fight gambling in Spain.
FACUA demands a ban on credit cards in casinos
Facua-Consumidores urges the new Government of Pedro Sánchez to follow the example that the United Kingdom has taken. As of April 14, 2020, a law that prohibits the use of credit cards in both physical and online gambling establishments comes into force in the United Kingdom. Thus, British users will only be able to use cash or debit cards. This measure approved a few days ago seeks to avoid and protect user debt.
Among the measures required by the consumer association is also the elimination of ATMs in betting shops. In this way, the player would have limited direct access to money and thus avoid greater debt and greater risk of gambling addiction.
Restriction in opening hours and greater distance from schools
A few days ago, the agreement between the PSOE and Unidas Podemos was known to homogenize criteria regarding opening hours and distance to educational centers. However, this measure is one of the most complex, since since 1978 the CC.AA. are in charge of regulating gambling in the territory based on the Statutes of Autonomy and not the State. The regulation of arcade machines, casinos, bingo halls and raffles is the responsibility of the Autonomous Communities. And the State regulates lotteries, ONCE raffles and sports betting.
Ban the advertising of public figures
Facua also demands that public figures not be used to advertise games of chance. The Spanish Digital Gaming Association, JDigital, in collaboration with gambling companies have recently created a new advertising code to regulate the gaming sector. This advertising code entered into force on January 15, 2020.
Among the main measures of the new advertising code are: not to use the image of active professional athletes to promote the game, not to use public figures, mainly celebrities with young fans, to include logos warning about responsible gambling and the prohibition of minors from playing 18 years in the ads or that the maximum value of the welcome bonuses will be € 200.
Addition among the youngest
In recent years, the proliferation of betting houses and the ease of access to the Internet have caused minors to have access to games of chance. Despite being totally prohibited for those under 18 years of age. A study carried out by the University of Valencia highlights that 2.1% of students between 15 and 17 years of age suffer from some problem related to gambling. Other vulnerable groups are also at risk.
