EGBA calls for “balanced” Spanish gambling ad regulations over black market fears
Trade association responds to Spanish government’s proposed changes to gambling marketing
The European Gaming & Betting Association (EGBA) has said the new Spanish government should aim for a “balanced” approach to gambling regulations, citing a potential increase in Spain’s black market.
The EGBA claims that “well-meaning” consumer protection measures being used in other jurisdictions act counterproductively in driving individuals towards unregulated, offshore websites without protections.
“The Spanish government should pay attention to this risk and ensure that new measures, which might be considered, are mindful of the need to ensure a high participation rate of players in the Spanish regulated market, rather than the offshore market,” the EGBA said.
The comments follow the release of a joint manifesto by the country’s ruling political coalition in which it said it would impose restrictions on gambling advertising like those being used in the tobacco industry.
Tobacco advertising in Spain is currently banned on TV, radio, print and online under law 48/2005.
Qualifying its stance on this issue, the EGBA stressed the need to protect consumers suffering from gambling-related harm, but also cited a need for some form of advertising of gambling to ensure consumers use regulated online gambling sites.
In addition, the EGBA referred to the absence of any direct studies or research projects that have definitively established a link between the volume of gambling advertising and the increased risk of problem gambling.
A ‘whistle-to-whistle’ advertising ban during live sporting events came into force earlier this month, together with the creation of a communications window between 10pm and 6am when adverts for gambling may be aired.
The measures were included in a code of conduct for gambling advertising developed by Spanish trade association JDigital, and also included restrictions on the use of so-called ‘active athletes’ in gambling ads.
Current EGBA members include bet365, Betsson Group, GVC, William Hill and Kindred Group. Member organisations hold 121 online gambling licences across 20 EU countries.