Spain pushes ahead with advertising changes

Online gaming operators in Spain are likely to face tougher advertising restrictions after a draft regulatory code, which includes limits on the hours gambling products can be advertised on television, was introduced by the La Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ).

The DGOJ said it was necessary to “properly develop advertising and responsible gaming regulations” ahead of the introduction of online slots products later this year, and to “channel gaming demand towards the regulated market”.

Gambling advertising in the country is currently self-regulated, and while the bill would maintain that model, it sets out a number of specific guidelines that online operators would have to adhere to.

Those guidelines include restricting online gambling adverts to be broadcast only between 10pm and 6am each day, and to block egaming ads appearing in media directed at minors.

The bill would also limit sponsorship partnerships, and place tough restrictions on sponsorship promotions aimed at minors, and through channels targeted directly at them.

The draft code comes just weeks after the Spanish Senate filed a cross-party motion in a bid to put pressure on the government to impose a host of egaming marketing restrictions with the aim of improving responsible gambling measures and protecting minors.

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 code be subject to comments from interested parties until 17 April 2015.