Spanish online gambling association Jdigital has reported that the government has passed an amendment to the Decree on the creation of the Public Health Agency, directly affecting gambling in the country.
It is known that the amendment will reintroduce certain restrictions on advertising for licensed operators:
- restriction of gambling advertising on social media platforms
- ban on bonus promotions
- ban on the use of public figures in advertising campaigns
Certain restrictions were previously in force and were partially canceled in April as a result of a decision of the Supreme Court of Spain. At that time, the judges granted an appeal by Jdigital and the Association of Media Information (AMI), which accused the Ministry of Consumer Affairs of illegally including the restrictions as measures of the Royal Decree.
In November 2022, the Spanish authorities passed a law restricting gambling advertising on media platforms from 1 to 5 a.m. It also introduced a total ban on all gambling sponsorship in professional sports (excluding state lotteries), with significant fines for non-compliance.
Jorge Hinojosa, CEO of the Jdigital association, said, “We knew that it was their will to restore articles, but in no case have they anticipated us”.
Jdigital believes that the best solution from the government’s side is to adopt a “Code of Conduct” for advertising and marketing approved by members of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, rather than imposing unworkable restrictions.
However, so far the government has not shown interest in the gambling association’s proposal.
- More information: Google News.
