Spain’s Supreme Court Rolls Back Significant Restrictions Imposed on Gambling Advertising

SPAIN (April 11, 2024) — According to local media reports Spain’s Supreme Court has partially overturned the country’s 2020 ban on gambling advertising.

The court has reportedly struck five articles from the 2020 Royal Decree, arguing legislation would be needed to make the changes.

The verdict rolls back significant restrictions that have been imposed on gambling advertising in Spanish media.

Media and publishing company ‘NEXT.io‘ report operators will now be permitted to advertise online games and offer promotions to new customers. They will also be able to include famous people in their marketing and advertise on social media.

However, some restrictions remain in place. These include a television and radio ban between certain hours and a prohibition on sports sponsorship.

The Supreme Court rejected appeals on those grounds by stating the measures had “sufficient legal coverage” and that the restrictions were proportional.

The case was brought by forward by Spain’s online gambling trade body Jdigital and the Information Media Association (AMI).

The associations questioned the constitutional basis for the decree.

They argued imposing the restrictions through a ministerial decree as opposed to federal legislation was unconstitutional.

The court agreed, ruling that limits and prohibitions on a business’ freedom to advertise “must have sufficient legal coverage”.

SOURCE: NEXT.io