Last updated on May 22nd, 2025 at 07:00 pm
Unidos Podemos, the left-wing party, brought the issue of Spanish online gambling ads in the spotlight once again. They said that ads were harming young folks and led to an increase in gambling addiction in the country.
The party teamed up with the Socialist Party to change rules regarding gambling advertisements. It could affect the gambling industry, which is flourishing at present. According to sports betting software platform providers, online gambling and sports betting earned all-time highs in revenue this year.
Also, lottery games and video terminals are gaining new players due to Spaniard’s new-found interest in gambling products. However, not everyone is pleased with the latest developments. More notably, consumer protection minister Alberto Garzon said that new regulation is needed to prevent the increase of addiction across the country.
Calls for Reduction of Spanish Online Gambling Ads
Garzon wants new regulations that are like how the government taxes tobacco. He said that the country needs to regulate the gambling sector because it impacts the health of the citizens. Also, the government is considering a ban on specific ad policies that provide incentives for people who place wagers. Thus, they want to ban free bets for new customers.
Garzon pointed out that Sweden already has measures in place. Sweden is one of the most heavily regulated markets in the world. However, it is also the fairest market today. In Spain, online actions increased three times from 2014 to $19 billion in 2018. It is not a surprise since it coincided with the FIFA World Cup, according to odds management firms.
Spanish citizens lose around $10.85 billion to betting activities. As a result, the government wants to limit people’s exposure to gambling ads to prevent them from becoming more interested in gambling. It is probably not the best time to read how to be a bookie for dummies in Spain.
Spain’s Battle Over Online Gambling Ads: A Growing Concern
The Growing Calls to Limit Online Betting Advertisements
Spain is facing mounting pressure to crack down on online gambling advertisements, as concerns grow about their impact on society. Needless to say, several groups want to limit online betting advertisements. Particularly on young people. What started as a regulatory response to protect minors has evolved into a complex legal and political battle that highlights the tension between public health and business interests.
Why the Alarm Bells Are Ringing
The push to limit gambling ads stems from three main concerns that have captured lawmakers’ attention:
Protecting Children from Gambling’s Reach – Research shows that gambling advertisements can spark interest in betting among young people, potentially leading them down a path toward addiction. For parents and child welfare advocates, the constant stream of online betting promotions represents a clear threat to minors who are still developing their decision-making skills and understanding of risk.
Preventing Addiction Before It Starts – Health experts warn that gambling advertisements don’t just inform—they actively encourage people to bet more frequently and with less restraint. This promotional push can transform casual interest into compulsive behavior, creating serious health consequences for individuals and their families.
The Power of Persuasion – Studies have revealed just how effective gambling marketing really is. Research indicates that advertising campaigns, especially those offering bonuses and sponsoring sports teams, dramatically increase the number of people who sign up for betting accounts, make deposits, and place bets. This evidence has strengthened arguments that these ads are more than just information—they’re powerful tools that shape behavior.
Spain’s Regulatory Response: A Rocky Road
In November 2020, the Spanish government took decisive action with Royal Decree 958/2020, implementing sweeping restrictions on gambling advertisements. The new rules were comprehensive and strict:
- Time limits: Gambling ads could only appear on TV and radio during late-night hours when fewer children would be watching
- Bonus restrictions: Companies couldn’t offer promotional deals to lure new customers
- Celebrity ban: Famous personalities were prohibited from endorsing gambling services
- Sports sponsorship halt: Betting companies could no longer sponsor sports teams or events
The impact was immediate and measurable. Studies found that these restrictions led to a permanent decrease in gambling activity, with fewer people opening new accounts and less money being wagered overall.
The Supreme Court Steps In
According to a GlobalGambling.net Gambling News Article, Spain’s legal journey took an unexpected turn when the Supreme Court partially overturned key parts of the decree. The court ruled that certain restrictions—including the celebrity endorsement ban and limitations on customer promotions—lacked sufficient legal justification.
This decision created a regulatory setback, but it hasn’t deterred lawmakers. A new draft bill is now making its way through the legislative process, designed to provide the stronger legal foundation needed to reinstate these advertising restrictions.
Industry Pushback: The Other Side of the Story
The gambling industry hasn’t remained silent in this debate. The Spanish Digital Gaming Association (Jdigital), representing online betting companies, has voiced strong opposition to what they consider overly harsh regulations.
Their argument centers on several key points: the restrictions are disproportionate to the actual problem, they could drive customers to illegal, unlicensed gambling sites, and legitimate advertising can actually promote responsible gambling practices by directing players to regulated operators.
Industry representatives are calling for dialogue with the government to create what they describe as “fair and balanced” rules that protect consumers without unnecessarily harming legal gambling businesses.
What’s at Stake
This ongoing debate reflects a broader challenge facing many countries: how to balance legitimate business interests with public health concerns in the digital age. Online gambling has exploded in popularity, making it a significant economic sector, but its rapid growth has outpaced regulatory frameworks designed for traditional casino gambling.
For Spanish policymakers, the question isn’t just about advertising—it’s about defining what role gambling should play in modern society and how to protect vulnerable populations without stifling legitimate business activity.
Looking Ahead
Despite the Supreme Court’s intervention, signs point to the Spanish government maintaining its commitment to stricter gambling advertising controls. The new legislative proposal suggests that rather than abandoning their regulatory goals, lawmakers are working to build a stronger legal case for restrictions.
As this regulatory drama continues to unfold, Spain’s experience is being watched closely by other European nations grappling with similar questions about online gambling’s place in the digital landscape. The outcome could influence how other countries approach the delicate balance between consumer protection and commercial freedom in the rapidly evolving world of online betting.