On World No Gambling Day, Spain’s Network for Addiction Care (UNAD) has reiterated its call for the “absolute” elimination of all gambling and betting advertising. The organization argues that such promotion conflicts with public health policies and plays a significant role in normalizing addictive behaviors, particularly among young people. They emphasize that non-substance addictions like gambling, betting, and gaming are often more difficult to detect because they do not leave physical traces. UNAD points out that “Because they are so socially normalized, these addictions are usually identified only once they have become chronic, when the psychological, social, and economic damage is much greater.” UNAD ban gambling promotions
Recent data from the Profile of People Assisted in the UNAD Network report shows that 1,304 individuals received treatment for non-substance addictions across 24 member organizations. Of these, 24% were women. Most women seeking help are Spanish nationals over 49 years old, employed, and have dependent children. Their primary in-person addiction involves slot machines and bingo, while online cases are mainly gaming. Among men, the typical profile includes Spanish nationals aged between 34 and 41, who are employed and without children. Their main addictions are also slot machines, followed by sports betting, both in-person and online.
While UNAD recognizes some regulatory progress, such as the draft resolution from Spain’s Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) that establishes new technical requirements for responsible gambling messages under Royal Decree 958/2020, it believes that additional measures are necessary. The organization advocates for a complete ban on all gambling-related advertising, regardless of whether it appears in physical venues or online. Such a ban, they argue, is essential to prevent commercial messages from reinforcing addictive behaviors. Furthermore, UNAD supports the gambling-related amendments included in the SAC Law, which was scheduled for debate that day at 14:00. They consider this step crucial for strengthening protections for minors, young people, and vulnerable groups through stricter controls on advertising and sponsorship.
Read also: Ksa Imposes €2.65 Million Penalty on Betcity for Neglecting Young Players’ Safety
UNAD’s president, Luciano Poyato, highlighted that “the promotion of gambling is incompatible with prevention” and warned that anyone can be vulnerable to addiction, especially when exposure begins early. The organization advocates for comprehensive prevention and awareness strategies, including programs that promote healthy leisure activities for young people and at-risk populations. It also urges the swift implementation of new regulations aimed at limiting deposits on online gambling platforms to help minimize the social and health impacts associated with gambling. Lastly, UNAD calls for the harmonization of regional gambling laws, particularly concerning the increasing number of betting shops, to ensure consistent protection for vulnerable individuals across Spain.
