What is the Current Status of Gambling Advertising Across Europe?
Gambling advertising has been a hot button issue in Europe for decades, but in recent months, new developments have seen the banning of gambling-related advertisements.
While this is a global wave, the European gambling industry has taken the frontline in the fight against gambling advertising, with different countries highlighting different jurisdictional approaches to regulation.
Italy, for instance, has already outlawed gambling adverts. In Spain and Belgium, there are impending changes to legislation that will partially or completely prohibit gambling advertising. In many other countries within the EU, the subject remains high on the political agenda. This article will explain the status of gambling advertising across Europe.
Gambling Advertising Regulations in Spain
Gambling advertising is allowed in Spain.
According to local reports, Spain is set to restrict gambling advertising to only 4 hours in the morning—between 1.00 am to 5.00 am. This step will mark the beginning of a series of impending crackdowns aimed at limiting the influence of gambling on minors.
The restrictions are courtesy of the newly appointed Minister of Culture, Alberto Garzón, who despite limiting the gambling time to morning hours also aims to reduce the advertising permission in general.
Gambling Advertising Regulations in Finland
Gambling advertising in Finland is partially prohibited.
Finland is one of the Scandinavian countries where gambling is a hit. According to local news, Finland's state monopoly of gambling pulls in €3.2 billion in annual revenue.
Although there are a few land-based casinos, many Finns love to play their favorite casino games, such as Starburst, on an online casino site. However, despite the rising popularity of casinos in Finland, there has been a clampdown on the advertisement of gambling services.
Article 14b of Finland's Lotteries Act prohibits gambling marketing on televisions, radio, public displays, and any other publishing media targeting minors. Gambling advertising is prohibited except in casinos, special arcades, and racetrack venues.
Gambling Advertising Regulations in Ukraine
Gambling advertising in Ukraine is prohibited.
Gambling is illegal in Ukraine. To that end, all betting and gambling-related advertisements in Ukraine are outlawed.
Gambling Advertising Regulations in Germany
Gambling advertising in Germany is partially prohibited
According to research conducted by AdVision, gambling advertising spends in Germany has increased by a staggering 300% in the past 5 years, to reach €401m in 2019.
To minimize the impact of gambling in the country, the Media Authority of Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein issued a notice prohibiting radios and TV broadcasts from airing gambling-related advertisements.
Section 5 and 26 of the Interstate Treaty Advertising Guidelines also prohibit advertising of gambling on TV, internet, and radio. However, the state can give permission to sports, lottery, and horse racing betting operations to advertise their services on TV and the internet.
Gambling Advertising Regulations in the UK
Gambling advertising in the UK is partially prohibited
The UK's Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Gambling stipulates that advertising "shall be socially responsible and not targeted at those under the age of 18."
However, the 2019th revised version of the Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Gambling imposed a voluntary ban on TV sports betting advertising before the 9 pm watershed and also banned gambling adverts around highlight shows and re-runs.
Further to that, the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) published a revised standard intended to protect children and young people. The new laws require that gambling ads should not feature elements that promote "real-money gambling."
Gambling Advertising Regulations in Italy
Gambling Advertising in Italy is Partially Prohibited
The Italian gambling market has been growing rapidly over the years, and one of the reasons for the market boom is that Italian players are not taxed on their winnings.
Despite the growth, the AGCOM's Guidelines on the implementation of gambling advertising prohibits gambling marketing on the internet, radio, and TV broadcasts. However, it does provide exemptions for national lotteries.
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