UNAD Demands a Total Ban on Gambling Advertising
On the occasion of World No Gambling Day, Spain’s Network for Addiction Care (UNAD) has renewed its call for the “absolute” elimination of all gambling and betting advertising. The organization argues that such promotion is incompatible with public health policies and contributes to the normalization of addictive behaviors, particularly among young people.
Problem Gambling Still Dominates Addiction Cases
UNAD warns that non-substance addictions – such as gambling, betting, and gaming – are often harder to detect because they leave no physical traces. “Because they are so socially normalized, these addictions are usually identified only once they have become chronic, when the psychological, social, and economic damage is much greater,” the organization stated.
According to the latest Profile of People Assisted in the UNAD Network report, 1,304 individuals were treated for non-substance addictions across 24 member organizations, with 24% of them being women.
Most women receiving treatment are Spanish nationals over 49 years old, employed, and with dependent children. Their main in-person addiction involves slot machines, followed by bingo, while online cases are dominated by gaming.
Among men, the typical profile includes Spanish nationals aged between 34 and 41, employed and without children. Their primary addictions are also slot machines, followed by sports betting, both in-person and online.
Progress and Pending Reforms
UNAD acknowledged regulatory advances, particularly the draft resolution from Spain’s Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ), which outlines new technical requirements for responsible gambling messages under Royal Decree 958/2020.
However, the network believes further measures are necessary – chiefly, a complete ban on all gambling-related advertising, whether in-person or online – to prevent commercial messages from reinforcing addictive behavior.
The organization has also expressed its support for the gambling-related amendment included in the SAC Law, scheduled for debate today at 14:00. UNAD considers this step crucial for strengthening protections for minors, young people, and vulnerable groups through stricter advertising and sponsorship controls.
Prevention and Healthy Alternatives
UNAD president Luciano Poyato emphasized that “the promotion of gambling is incompatible with prevention” and warned that anyone can be vulnerable to addiction, especially when exposure begins early.
The network advocates for comprehensive prevention and awareness strategies, including programs that promote healthy leisure alternatives for young people and at-risk populations. It also urges swift approval of new rules limiting deposits on online gambling platforms to help minimize the social and health impact of gambling.
Finally, UNAD calls for the harmonization of regional gambling laws, particularly those concerning the growing number of betting shops, to ensure consistent protection for vulnerable individuals across Spain.