The text, unanimously approved, demands more control measures to safeguard the "vital and social integrity" of the younger sectors of the population.
Spain.- The Senate's Youth Commission unanimously approved a motion from the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), with three amendments from the Popular Party (PP), urging the Government to strengthen control measures on gambling among youth and adolescents.
The text urges the Executive, in collaboration with the Autonomous Communities, provincial councils, and local entities, to expand and strengthen "control measures on gambling among youth and adolescents", especially the access of minors in order to "safeguard their vital and social integrity, and promote a healthier leisure environment away from gambling and betting environments."
"Youth between 18 and 25 years old are at the highest risk of developing gambling disorders, according to a study conducted by the General Directorate for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ). What they first touch or try are tickets, tenths, quick lotteries. This should concern us, but what should concern us even more, undoubtedly, is the proliferation of the use of new technologies and online games, what we now call substance-free addictions. According to this report, there is a decrease in the age profile of players: 22 percent are under 25 years old," explained PSOE senator Luisa Blanch, who defended the motion.
In this regard, the initiative proposes to promote and implement controls that prevent abuses in gambling advertising, especially during time slots and platforms where young people are more likely to be exposed.
At this point, the PSOE suggested implementing "stricter restrictions" on advertising, but the PP proposed modifying the text, recalling the Supreme Court ruling, which "says that advertising is part of the freedom of enterprise," according to PP senator, Verónica María Casal.
Similarly, it proposes to reinforce the mechanisms of access control to online gambling platforms, websites, applications, or other electronic, computer, telematic, or interactive channels of reserved game sales points, effectively ensuring the verification of age and identity of users.
See also: Jdigital highlighted the growth of online gambling in Spain and issued future warnings
The motion also proposes to continue promoting educational programs in schools to raise awareness among young people about the risks associated with gambling and to encourage healthier entertainment habits.
