Spanish regulator adopts operator-led whistle-to-whistle ad ban
New code of conduct, including limits on sign-up bonuses, to come into force from January 2020
The Spanish regulator has approved a new operator-led code of conduct for gambling advertising in Spain, including a whistle-to whistle ban on betting ads during live sport.
The code, developed by Spanish trade association JDigital, includes a prohibition on any adverts concerning bonuses or promotions within any live sporting event.
It also establishes a communications window between 10pm and 6am at which time adverts for gambling may be shown.
Advertisements featuring ‘active athletes’ performing gambling activities will be prohibited under the code, while sign-up bonuses will be limited to a maximum of €200.
The code will take effect from 15 January 2020.
Elsewhere, adverts which include those under the age of 25 are prohibited and all adverts must feature full terms and conditions and display age-related warnings.
The code also implies social responsibility principles to gambling advertising.
Eduardo Morales Hermo, senior gambling consultant at Ficom Leisure, said the code was an attempt to “smooth down” the controversy about gambling ads in Spain to mitigate any potentially stricter restrictions being introduced by the Spanish government.
He warned however that adoption of the code may not be enough to prevent further regulation from the Spanish government.
Morales Hermo said operators would be able to adjust to the changes, citing the current example of the Italian market.
Current JDigital members include bet365, Betsson, GVC, Flutter, William Hill, Playtech and The Stars Group.
Adherence to the code will be monitored by a Joint Monitoring Commission which will have authority to issue rulings about potential violations which will be published online.
The commission, which will be made up of representatives from the DGOJ, the Spanish Ministry of Finance, Tourism, two representatives from the broadcasting industry and five operator representatives, can also suggest changes to the code where appropriate.