Online games are one of the most popular leisure alternatives in recent years. Its presence on the internet and on television has managed to attract numerous players, however, some aspects must be taken into account. Starting from betting and online games are designed for adults over 18 years, This type of leisure can lead to addictive behaviors such as pathological gambling.
For this reason, more and more authorities try to limit the activity of these companies through laws that regulate advertising hours and promote sanctions for gaming operators that do not comply with the rules. Since 2011, this sector has not stopped growing, since investment in this sector has multiplied in the last 5 years. In this article we review the new law that regulates betting advertising and sports forecasts in 2021.
A law promoted by the Council of Ministers
This year the first law that will limit online advertising of betting houses and games of chance in Spain has been passed. This initiative has been promoted by the Minister of Consumption, Alberto Garzón, and it is the first legislation of its kind at the national level.
The objective of this law is reduce the increase in gaming consumption among the young population between 18 to 25 years old. This is a vulnerable sector of society, since they have no money saved and are at risk of losing it, which will make their emancipation more difficult. In 2017, 28% of new players were between 18 and 25 years old, while in 2019, the figure is up to 40%, so the increase is clearly demonstrated.
What measures does the new law entail?
this new law limits mainly the way it is bookmakers and online casinos advertise. It is forbidden to broadcast audiovisual advertising outside the slot from 1 to 5 in the morning. Players are not allowed to be gifted acquisition bonuses. game operators they will only be able to direct their offers to registered customers, leaving out the people likely to present addictive behaviors.
Another curious measure is that the sports clubs will not be able to sign sponsorships with bookmakers that involve advertising on t-shirts. Likewise, advertising in sports stadiums will be limited to the aforementioned hours. The search engines will prevent bookmakers advertising from appearing to minors, and in audiovisual advertisements, the use of characters of relevance or public notoriety is prohibited.
When does the new law come into force?
Although this new law was passed months ago, it will not be until summer of 2021 that will come into operation. This is due to the fact that some sports contracts are still in force, so the law will begin to take effect in a few months.
For those gaming operators that fail to comply with the rules, the Government warns that they will be sanctioned with a fine ranging between 100,000 and one million euros.