Operators to face ad restrictions in Spain
Cross-party motion filed by the Spanish Senate seeks to impose a number of restrictions on egaming ads within the country
Online gaming operators in Spain could face tougher advertising restrictions after lawmakers in the country filed a cross-party motion outlining a raft of advertising constraints including restrictions on sports sponsorship deals.
The Spanish Senate has put pressure on the government to impose a host of egaming advertising restrictions with the aim of improving responsible gambling measures and protecting minors.
Gambling advertising in the country is currently self-regulated with the motion coming as the government prepares to introduce a regulatory code on responsible advertising and online gambling later this year.
The cross-party motion calls for a restriction on when online gambling adverts can be broadcast and to block egaming ads appearing in media directed at minors, such as mobile applications.
The motion also states more needs to be done to emphasise the importance of responsible gambling campaigns, and suggests sponsorship deals between online gambling sites and sports teams should be limited.
Speaking to eGaming Review, DLA Piper gaming lawyer Paula Gonzalez de Castejón said operators would be forced to comply with the new law but said it was still too early to tell whether all of the proposed measures would make the first draft of the regulatory code.
“Apparently Spanish Senators wants gambling adverts to be restricted, but we will have to wait until the first draft regulation is published by the government,” de Castejón said.
“A Royal Decree approving this regulation will be passed in the following months, nevertheless, it does not mean that the final wording will contain all the petitions included in the joint-motion presented by the Spanish Senators,” she added.
The proposals are expected to encounter lengthy debate, particularly regarding restrictions to sponsorship deals with sports teams.
Tougher restrictions would undoubtedly hamper the likes of 888, which recently launched a major marketing campaign for its Spain-facing sportsbook, while bwin.party has a long-term affiliation with football side Real Madrid.
The government is expected to publish its draft regulatory code within the next six months.