Spanish Supreme Court Eases Restrictions on Gambling Advertising

In a significant ruling, the Spanish Supreme Court has granted a partial appeal from the Spanish Digital Games Association (Jdigital) to ease restrictions on gambling advertising, including endorsements from celebrities. The decision partially nullifies Royal Decree 958/2020, which was implemented to curb the influence of gambling ads on minors.

The stringent measures had drawn strong criticism from the industry, prompting Jdigital to challenge the decree in court. Although initially rejected by the Constitutional Court in November 2023, the appeal found favor with the Supreme Court, leading to the cancellation of several regulations, thereby addressing some of the association's concerns.

Following the ruling, Spanish operators are now permitted to advertise to players who have been registered on an online casino platform for at least one month. Additionally, advertising in venues that sell lottery products and public spaces, including endorsements by brand ambassadors, is now allowed.