Spanish Legislation to Protect Minors from Gambling

Overview

The Spanish government has enacted comprehensive measures aimed at protecting minors from the influence of gambling and betting activities.

Key Measures

• Location Restrictions:
  • Banning new gambling establishments within 200 meters of schools, youth centers, and other facilities catering to children.
  • Implementing tighter limits near shopping centers.
• Advertising Restrictions:
  • Tightening restrictions on advertising, especially in areas accessible to minors.
• Participation and Accessibility:
  • Extending prohibitions on participation in gambling and betting activities for individuals under 18 or with disabilities.
• Supervision and Oversight:
  • Enhancing supervision of gaming venues to prevent clustering and over-concentration.

Objectives and Rationale

"This legislation responds to growing European and national concerns about the vulnerability of minors to gambling-related harm, emphasizing preventive measures that include geographical restrictions, advertising controls, and increased oversight."

• Reducing adolescent exposure and potential addiction risks.
• Safeguarding children's development.
• Ensuring responsible gaming practices.

Additional Provisions

• Regulation of gaming devices.
• Establishment of zones free of gambling outlets.
• Aiming to curb normalization of gambling activities among youth.

Alignment

This legislation aligns with international conventions on children's rights and health, emphasizing preventive actions to protect minors from gambling-related harm as gambling becomes more embedded in everyday environments.