Gambling is flourishing around the world but there is also the need for it to be kept under control. Regulators are out to ensure that happens and there have been recent moves in both France and Portugal, with action also planned in the United Kingdom.
In France, the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) are calling for operators to “de-intensify” the amount of advertising they carry out. This follows their annual analysis of the promotional strategies of gambling companies.
That review revealed an increase of 7% in the amount spent on advertising. It also noted a rise in the amount of gambling advertising on social media, including Twitch, Instagram and TikTok.
Special attention was paid towards Winamax with “major difficulties” raised by the ANJ. The company had their advertising strategy rejected by them. They were recently told to take off their ‘Tout pour la Daronne’ advertising spot. The big concern the ANJ has is the “excessive targeting of young adults.”
The ANJ have also given warnings to La La Française des Jeux (FDJ) and Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU), the two monopoly bodies in France. Promotional policies that represent gambling as a “family leisure activity involving minors” are being discouraged.
A mid-year progress report is to be published by the ANJ. This will check that licensees have been addressing any problems.
In Portugal, their gambling regulator, the SRIJ have been addressing the situation re the posting of odds during live sports events.
They have prohibited gambling companies from publishing live odds on any physical or online platform. No longer will they be able to do this at stadiums via advertising boards. The displaying of such live odds will lead to regulatory action being taken.
It’s the latest steps to be taken by the regulatory body. October 2021 saw them place new limits on the amount of advertising that gambling companies can carry out. Similar actions were also taken in the Netherlands.
This year has seen the KSA give a warning to an unnamed online gambling licensee regarding the advertising of betting odds on Twitter. This took place during football matches and included a link to where online bets could be made.
Advertising during sports events is barred in the Netherlands. It’s believed doing so will encourage impulsive betting. That’s something that does tend to happen more in in-play betting.
Action is also expected soon in the United Kingdom. A review has been carried out by the government as they look to make changes to the Gambling Act that became law in 2005. Areas such as sponsorship of sporting teams by gambling companies are likely to see stricter controls or even a ban.
