EGBA’s view on Spain’s upcoming gambling regulationss

EGBA has discussed the upcoming gambling regulations from Spain and said that it welcomes such policy measures.

Spain.- As Spanish authorities have recently announced that new regulations for the gambling industry will be introduced this year, the European Gaming & Betting Association (EGBA) has analysed them and welcomed the initiatives.

The governing parties in Spain will also introduce additional consumer protection measures, stricter restrictions for gambling advertising and a review of taxation for online gambling. The new coalition government, which consists of the PSOE and Podemos, published the new general policy commitments on December 30, 2019.

EGBA said that it welcomes policy measures which genuinely strengthen consumer protection in Spain’s online gambling market but reiterates that such measures should be balanced, proportionate and designed in such a way that they support rather than undermine the regulated market.

“The Spanish government should pay attention to this risk and ensure that new measures, which might be considered, are mindful of the need to ensure a high participation rate of players in the Spanish regulated market, rather than the offshore market. This is true particularly in respect to advertising, which is a vital instrument to direct players to the gaming and betting websites which are licensed and regulated Spain – and away from risky websites,” said EGBA.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General, European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), said: “As far as we are aware, there is no research or studies that conclude that the volume of advertising for gambling impacts the risk of problem gambling. However, at the same time, EGBA obviously recognises the need to ensure that advertising is responsible and helps protect vulnerable consumers and minors.

“Gambling advertising does play an important role in informing consumers of which websites are regulated and licensed in Spain, and where they can play in a safe and regulated environment that takes into account their need to be protected. In most EU countries, advertising is also required to provide information about the risks of gambling and where and how consumers can obtain help if they need it.

“While we recognise that advertising can be seen to be excessive by regulators or public opinion, a certain level of advertising is required to ensure that consumers remain within the regulated online environment.”