Restrictions on gambling advertising in Europe
EGBA – the European Gambling and Betting Association, has adopted a new code of conduct which sets out updated standards for gambling advertising. Previously, such a document existed in a very truncated form, so the organization decided to bring the legal norms of the European gambling business in line with modern requirements. The code examines in detail the powers in creating a safe environment for gamers spending time in the online space.
Now all members of the association operating in the EU must adhere to the norms set out in the code. In addition, those gambling and betting operators who are not associate members are also recommended to follow its provisions. At the moment, this important document has been ratified in several European countries. These are the Netherlands, Portugal, Bulgaria, Denmark, Belgium, etc. In the coming days, operators from the UK and a number of other countries are expected to join them.
The main area that is considered and regulated in the code is online gambling advertising. First of all, the document was adopted to protect minors from unfair and intrusive gambling advertising on the Internet. With the help of the developed algorithm, game providers and online casino operators will be able to protect minors from gaming software.
In particular, the code contains a number of very important requirements that are imposed on creators of advertising products to popularize gambling. These are:
- moderation of information related to gambling;
- limiting the time of broadcasting gambling products;
- using additional features to check users for adulthood, etc.
In case of violation of any of the provisions, fines and other sanctions are envisaged. According to the Secretary General of EGBA, Martin Heyer, the purpose of creating the document was to increase the responsibility of operators and creators of advertising products, as well as to protect consumers from the negative impact of gambling advertising.
