Behind the reforms announced by politicians and the cumbersome procedures on the Internet, there was a whole battle against gambling advertising. How is gambling advertising currently regulated around the world?

Roulette appeared in France in 1976. In 1829, poker was played for the first time in New Orleans. Another 50 years later, the first mechanical slot machine was invented. And since 1994, when Microgaming created the first online casino known as The Gaming Club, gambling has taken a completely different path.

In many countries, the gambling business is subject to strict legislative restrictions

There are three types of gambling advertising legislation in European countries:

1. Permission to place advertisements with small restrictions.

2. Partial prohibition of gambling advertising

3. A complete ban on gambling advertising

Russian Federation: advertising is allowed only on TV and radio from 22:00 to 07:00

First of all, let’s talk about Russian legislation. In the Russian Federation, a partial ban on gambling advertising has been introduced – advertising is allowed only on television and radio from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., as well as in gambling establishments (Article 27 of the Federal Law on Advertising).

Nordic countries: You can advertise but not target minors

Norwegian law allows gambling advertising, but the country has a standard ban on advertising aimed at minors. On May 12, 2020, the Verkhovna Rada amended the Law on Audiovisual Media, which further restricts advertising, and possible videos are removed at the request of the audiovisual market regulator. The new law entered into force on January 1, 2021 (Article 11 of the Law on Lotteries; Instructions of the Gambling Administration).

Like Norway, Sweden allows gaming industry advertising and maintains a ban on advertising to minors.

Iceland and Finland they established a partial ban on advertising. In Iceland, it must be exclusively in the Icelandic language and clearly reflect a commercial interest. Finnish law prohibits advertising during radio broadcasts, on television and in cinemas. The ban applies to advertising aimed at minors.

In Denmark gambling advertising is permitted, but must not contain any invitation to participate in gambling or to enter a gaming hall. An advertising message should not contain promises of increased social status and success.

The Baltic countries have similar trends, with the exception of Latvia

The Baltic countries show similar trends in the regulation of gambling advertising. Of the three Baltic countries, only Latvia has imposed a blanket ban.

Latvian legislator a general ban on advertising outside gambling establishments has been established. The restriction also applies to Internet advertising.

Estonia partially prohibits gambling advertising. Advertisements must not contain invitations to participate in gambling or visit gambling halls.

Also, messages should not contain guarantees and promises to improve the social status and/or financial situation of clients. Advertising of gambling in Estonia (except for lotteries and some games of skill) is prohibited. However, the legislator establishes exceptions to this rule. Thus, advertising is allowed in the following cases/institutions:

● Advertising is allowed in gaming halls (including hotels);

● Advertising is allowed on board cruise liners and airplanes making international flights;

● At the international airports of Estonia;

● In ports;

● On the sites of gaming operators;

However, it is strictly prohibited in educational institutions, on campuses, on the radio and in the post office

Lithuania , partially prohibits advertising. There is a general ban on gambling advertising, with the exception of advertising the name, trademark and legal form of a gambling company. It is forbidden to specify additional information other than the above.

Advertising restrictions do not apply to the Lithuanian Lottery

Poland, Germany, Czech Republic – partial ban

in Poland, there is a partial ban on advertising. Restrictions apply to advertising in bookmakers, casinos and gambling halls.

Advertising is also partially prohibited in Germany . Advertising of gambling games on TV and on the Internet is prohibited. But the authorities of the Federal Republic of Germany can grant permission to operators of lotteries, sports betting and horse racing to advertise on television and on the Internet. Sports betting advertising before or during live telecasts of sporting events is prohibited. In the interior of gaming establishments, it is not allowed to advertise games, access to which is available in them.

German law prohibits advertising to minors or at-risk groups (for example, people who may suffer from certain mental disorders or who have previously suffered from gambling addiction).

Online casino gambling advertising is prohibited on radio, television and the Internet between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Belgium, like the Netherlands, partially bans advertising. In particular, advertising of online gambling is also partially prohibited. For example, holders of A+, B+ and F1 licenses cannot advertise any type of games or bonuses. Licensees may also not advertise any promises of payment in the event of a win.

It is forbidden to exaggerate the chances of winning and to offer participation in gambling as a way to solve financial and personal problems.

A bill to ban online gambling advertising and suspend the licenses of violators is currently under discussion. According to the bill, gambling operators will be able to advertise only on their own sites.

Advertising is partially prohibited in Ireland. For example, it is strictly forbidden to post or post lottery ads other than the results. There is no specific legislation in Ireland and gambling is governed by general consumer protection rules and advertising services standards.

Cyprus: It is forbidden to recruit celebrities who say they have become successful through gambling

Republic of Cyprus partially prohibits gambling advertising. Thus, casino advertising on radio and television is prohibited from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Even during children’s programs, such advertisements cannot be shown. Advertising of bets is also prohibited: advertising messages about increasing social status, solving financial and personal problems with the help of gambling are prohibited.

It is forbidden to attract famous personalities who say that they have achieved success due to gambling. Advertising aimed at minors is prohibited.

In Greece and Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, Montenegro, gambling advertising is allowed, but not for minors

Bosnia and Herzegovina: advertising is allowed, with some exceptions. There is no single regulation of gambling in the country, each has its own regulation. Traditionally, general restrictions apply (prohibition of advertising to minors).

Kosovo and Albania they banned advertising of any kind of gambling.

Gambling advertising is partially prohibited in Bulgaria . Display of game name, trademark, game results, prizes is allowed.

IN Switzerland and France gambling advertising is permitted with the only restriction on advertising to minors.

Austria and Spain also allow ads. In Austria, licensed organizations are required to follow a “responsible approach” to advertising. The definition of this term is provided by the Ministry of Finance of Austria. And in Spain, measures are aimed at strengthening consumer protection. For example, ad display time is limited.

Portugal a partial ban has been established. General restrictions apply (prohibition of advertising to minors). Commercial advertising must contain warning messages clearly indicating “18+”, must not be aimed at “vulnerable persons”; gambling advertising is prohibited from 07:00 to 22:30 on television and radio; advertisers are obliged to limit the access of minors to social networks that promote gambling.

Italy – All gambling products and services may not be advertised on television, internet, radio, with the exception of the National Lottery. The ban includes product placement; distribution of gadgets related to gaming products; organization of prize events containing products related to gambling, direct and indirect advertising through social networks.

Czech Republic partially prohibits advertising. As in the Federal Republic of Germany, in the interior of gambling establishments in the Czech Republic it is not allowed to advertise the offered games.

in Slovakia, a partial ban was established. Gambling halls can advertise only within a radius of 200 meters from their place of work.

Low countries follows a partial ban policy. Legislator limited gambling advertising on television from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sources used: https://theconversation.com, https://lawstrust.com