SPAIN is moving ahead with plans to ban celebrities and influencers from promoting gambling as the government ramps up efforts to protect young people from addiction.
Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy launched on Tuesday a public consultation on the new rules, which would bar influencers, athletes, actors and celebrities from appearing in gambling adverts on television, radio and online platforms.
The crackdown comes amid growing concern in Spain over online betting among young adults, with Bustinduy stressing the state had a ‘democratic duty’ to protect vulnerable people, especially minors, from aggressive gambling advertising.
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Spain first introduced strict gambling advertising laws in 2020, limiting TV adverts, sponsorship deals and the use of celebrities in betting campaigns.
But the Supreme Court overturned parts of the law in 2024, saying some restrictions did not have a strong enough legal basis.
The government now wants to introduce tougher legislation designed to withstand future legal challenges.
The plans would also tighten controls on social media platforms, with officials aiming to stop gambling content being shown to under-18s.
Ministers are also considering stronger warning labels on betting websites highlighting the low odds of winning and the risks of gambling addiction.
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A 2020 Spanish study found betting adverts were heavily broadcast during protected viewing hours, prompting health experts to call for stricter controls.
The gambling industry has hit back at the proposal, arguing Spain already has some of Europe’s toughest betting laws.
Industry groups also warned that tighter restrictions could drive gamblers towards illegal offshore betting websites.
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