Major protests against gambling halls in Madrid

Over 1,500 people took to the streets on major protests against gambling halls in Madrid and urged the government to act against them.

Spain.- Gambling remains a hot debate topic in Spain despite its success and contributions to state coffers. That’s why over 1,500 people took to the streets on major protests against gambling halls in Madrid. They mainly asked the government to close them.

“We were watching La Sexta at home and there were 10 sports betting ads in seven minutes of advertising. Journalists, artists and footballers appear on them. There are more problem gamblers than people think,” news outlet El País quoted a protester.

The protest was called by the Platform against gambling halls in Madrid. It gathers 168 groups in the capital and the Autonomous Community.

There are 385 gambling halls in Madrid and the Spanish Association of Gambling Halls highlighted its investment possibilities.

“The gambling industry doesn’t seek an unfair profit,” the gambling segment assured. “Neither to take advantage of the unprotected or the youth,” they added.

DGOJ at FEJAR Congress

The Spanish regulator — Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) — was part of the XX FEJAR Congress “Our challenge: Prevent + Awareness”. The event took place on September 27-29 and the authority discussed the programs it conducts on responsible gaming.

The event took place in the auditorium of the Barrié Foundation, A Coruña. It featured the General Director of the DGOJ, Juan Espinosa. He was part of the opening ceremony along with the organization’s representatives and local authorities.

“In his speech, the General Director of the DGOJ recognised the work done by these type of associations. He referred to both those affected by problem gambling and their families. He also highlighted the contribution of FEJAR, helping with the promotion of new projects within the scope of the Responsible Gaming Advisory Council,” said the DGOJ.