Spain's Consumer Affairs Department recently ordered all online gambling operators to display warnings about the dangers of gambling addiction on their platforms, similar to the warnings used for tobacco products. The new regulation, based on the Ministry of Health's 2024 addiction study report, requires replacing the existing "responsible gaming" prompts with more direct risk warnings. Meanwhile, the Spanish Parliament is discussing the reinstatement of a ban on celebrity endorsements of gambling activities, a move supported by government departments but criticized by the industry body JDigital, which argues that comparing gambling to tobacco is unreasonable.
Policy Content and Implementation Requirements
The Spanish Consumer Affairs Department issued a directive on Wednesday requiring online gambling operators to display clear warnings about the risks of gambling addiction on digital platforms. These warnings must appear on all banner ads and marketing messages on the web gaming interface and social media.
The new rules, part of Royal Decree 958/2020, are incorporated into Spanish gambling law, which covers all aspects of marketing and gambling communication. The directive requires operators to immediately begin implementing the new warning label regulations.
Warning Content and Replacement Plans
The existing relatively mild "responsible gaming" prompts will be replaced by more direct risk warnings. New warning messages include: "Gambling addiction is a gambling risk," "The probability of gamblers losing money is 75%," and "All gamblers' losses are four times their winnings."
These warnings are designed similarly to the health risk warnings used on tobacco products, aimed at more directly conveying to consumers the potential risks and addiction possibilities of gambling. The new format emphasizes risk awareness and consequence notification.
Policy Basis and Research Support
The new warning content is based on the Spanish Ministry of Health's 2024 addiction study report, part of the Spanish National Drug Plan. The study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of online and offline gambling among the Spanish population.
Research findings show that in 2022, up to 82% of patients treated in Spain were related to gambling addiction. This data provides empirical support for policy-making, indicating that gambling addiction has become a significant public health issue.
Industry Reaction and Criticism
The gambling trade body JDigital criticized the new measures, arguing that comparing gambling to tobacco is unreasonable. The organization issued a statement to Infoplay on Thursday, claiming the measure "is hard to justify its rationality."
JDigital states that this policy "does not match the nature of regulated online gambling in Spain, which is one of the most tightly monitored activities in Europe." Industry representatives believe the existing regulatory framework is already strict enough.
Government Position and Policy Argumentation
The Minister of Social Rights, Pablo Bustinduy, announced this news at a safe gambling event on Wednesday. He stated: "Responsibility should not fall on the users but on the authorities, who have a democratic duty to ensure that the environment they access is safe."
The minister pointed out that some "unethical" companies do not hesitate to exploit those who need more help, a situation that occurs in both physical gambling and online platforms. The new measures aim to prevent the occurrence of gambling addiction and problematic behaviors.
Celebrity Endorsement Ban Discussion
The minister also expressed his commitment to restoring regulations prohibiting celebrities and influencers from promoting gambling activities, as well as banning welcome bonuses targeted at young people. The Spanish Parliament is processing this regulatory change, but no specific timetable has been provided.
This is related to a series of measures restricting gambling operators' marketing activities passed in November 2020, which included banning sponsorship agreements with operators and offering welcome bonuses, but some were partially restored in April last year.
Regulatory Background and Implementation Time
The new regulation is part of the reform of Spanish gambling law, under the scope of Royal Decree 958/2020. This decree comprehensively covers the norms of gambling marketing and communication, setting clear legal obligations for operators.
Although the new requirements take effect immediately, the government may give operators a transition period to adjust their platform interfaces and marketing materials. Operators who do not comply with the regulations may face administrative penalties.
Preventive Measures and Public Health Goals
The government states that the new warning measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent gambling addiction and problematic behaviors. By raising risk awareness, it aims to reduce the incidence and severity of gambling-related harms.
Public health experts believe that clear risk communication can help consumers make more informed decisions, especially in protecting vulnerable groups from the impact of gambling addiction. The long-term effects need to be assessed through continuous monitoring.
