Spanish regulator clamps down on betting on events involving minors
Regulator announces new standards to avoid “normalisation” of gambling for minors
The Spanish regulator, the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) has issued a resolution prohibiting sports betting on events that are played “exclusively or mainly by minors”.
The DGOJ said it wants to separate the betting industry from these events avoid ‘normalisation’ of gambling for minors.
It also wants to ensure “healthy participation” in sporting activities by minors, while avoiding potential match-fixing on these events.
According to current data obtained by the DGOJ, more than 5% of sporting competitions in Spain are mainly played by minors, representing just over 1% of all Spanish sports betting.
As part of its resolution development process, the DGOJ solicited opinions from industry stakeholders on proposed legislation, making changes where identified. During the process, responses were received from several licenced operators including Paddy Power Betfair and Spanish law firm Asensi Advocates.
In its response to the DGOJ, Paddy Power Betfair cited the technical difficulties of implementing the changes, but confirmed it would implement them, should they come into force.
In its own submission, Asensi Advocates said the definition being considered should be widened to include esports.
A similar rule in Sweden has caused havoc, with eight operators fined for breaching it, and firms claiming no clear definition has been given about what constitutes an event where the majority of participants are minors.
A football match for instance might have 11 minors and 11 adults but substitutes change the balance.
The resolution comes into force today and will apply to all licenced Spanish operators.