UNAD Urges Spain to Enforce a Complete Ban on Gambling Advertising
UNAD Demands Comprehensive Gambling Advertisement Ban
Spain’s Network for Addiction Care (UNAD) has once again called for a full prohibition of all gambling and betting advertisements. The organization emphasizes that promoting gambling contradicts public health goals and prevention strategies aimed at protecting individuals from addiction.
Concerns Raised by UNAD Leadership
Luciano Poyato, president of UNAD, highlighted the risks associated with gambling promotion, particularly the vulnerability of young people to addiction when exposed early. He stressed the importance of implementing wide-reaching prevention campaigns that provide young people and other at-risk groups with healthier recreational alternatives. Furthermore, UNAD advocates for the swift introduction of new rules to limit online gambling deposits, aiming to mitigate the social and health impacts of gambling.
Challenges in Identifying Gambling Addiction
UNAD pointed out that addictions not involving substances, such as gambling, betting, and video gaming, often lack visible physical symptoms, which complicates early detection. Because these behaviors have become socially accepted, they frequently remain unnoticed until they develop into chronic problems, resulting in extensive psychological, social, and economic damage.
Statistical Insights from UNAD’s Research
According to the latest UNAD study, “Profile of People Served in the UNAD Network,” 1,304 individuals were treated for non-substance addictions across 24 affiliated organizations. Women made up 24% of this group. The typical female patient was a Spanish national over 49 years old, employed, and caring for dependent children. Their primary in-person addiction involved slot machines, followed by bingo, while their main online addiction was to video games.
In contrast, the average male patient was a Spanish national between 34 and 41 years old, employed, and usually without children. Their preferred addictions included slot machines and sports betting, both offline and online.
Regulatory Advances and Further Needs
UNAD acknowledged progress made with Spain’s Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ), particularly regarding new technical standards for responsible gambling advertising under Royal Decree 958/2020. Despite these improvements, UNAD insists that more robust measures are necessary to stop commercial advertising from encouraging addictive behaviors.
UNAD’s Call for Unified Protections
The organization strongly supports a total ban on all gambling advertisements, both online and offline, as a critical step to better protect minors, youth, and vulnerable communities. UNAD has also expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of betting shops countrywide and advocates for harmonizing regional gambling laws to ensure consistent safeguards for vulnerable individuals throughout Spain.
