Legislation

Spain – Consumer organisation wants Spain to follow UK’s credit cards ban

By Phil - 20 January 2020

The Federation of Consumers in Action (FACUA) has urged the government to put in place legislation similar to that in the UK where players will no longer be able to use credit cards to place bets in order to tackle problem gambling.

FACUA has urged the Minister of Consumption, Alberto Garzón, to prohibit the use of credit cards for betting both online as well as and in bricks and mortar establishments.

The non-governmental organisation has given its backing to plans put forward by the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) and the left-wing alliance the Unidos Podemos party which promotes the unification of laws between the autonomous communities regarding limiting opening hours so that gaming establishments may not open before ten o’clock at night or be located near schools. But it wants to go much further and is urging the Government to prohibit the use of credit cards as well.

FACUA has asked the Government “to follow the example of the United Kingdom, which has just approved this measure of protection for the most vulnerable people which aims to minimise risks to consumers by preventing them from accumulating debts due to gambling, thus being the only country in our environment that restricts the use of credit cards in this business.” The organisation went on to express its concern regarding “the increase in this type of websites and betting establishments, as well as the repeated publicity about them, and the impact it may have on the population’s access to gaming, especially on the most vulnerable groups, such as minors. Only between January and September 2019, the online betting business invoiced €5,227.4m, according to data from the General Directorate of Game Management (DGOJ).”

It also claims that ATMs should not be permitted in betting premises. The association emphasised that “payment with credit cards or the location of ATMs within the premises themselves, can facilitate participation in them (gambling establishments), creating an even greater problem of user indebtedness and the risk of gambling addiction.” It also wants a ban on gambling advertising in order to prevent gambling addiction.

The proposals fit into a larger pattern of anti gaming measures nationwide as the government seeks to restrict gambling. Meanwhile local governments are imposing temporary bans on any expansion. The left wing alliance formed between the PSOE and Unidas Podemos, now considers gambling addiction to be a health issue due to the increasing size of the local gaming market. Its proposals would directly prohibit the advertising of sportsbook, prevent gambling halls being close to schools, regulate promotions and would raise taxes on gambling.

Caption: Minister of Consumption, Alberto Garzón