The Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) of the Ministry of Finance has recently defined rules for responsible gaming in the context of sports betting and online gaming. These rules aim to inform users about the risks of addiction and loss of funds associated with gambling activities.
According to Ordinance SPA/MF 1,231, responsible gaming is defined as a set of rules, practices, and activities that ensure the healthy and socially responsible economic exploitation, promotion, and advertising of fixed-odds lottery modalities. It also focuses on preventing and mitigating harm to individuals or society resulting from gambling activities, including mental health issues, physical health consequences, consumer rights violations, and social problems.
Operators are now required to implement various measures to promote responsible gaming, such as allowing users to set limits on the amount and time spent on their platforms, providing alerts for excessive usage, offering pause periods, and enabling self-exclusion options. These measures aim to prevent addiction and pathological gambling disorders among users.
In addition to these measures, operators have duties to ensure responsible gaming, including structuring their betting systems and marketing activities in a way that respects responsible gaming principles, prevents addiction, and complies with regulations prohibiting betting by minors. They are also required to promote awareness about the risks of addiction and provide information on prevention and treatment options to their users.
Furthermore, operators must suspend the use of their platforms by users at high risk of addiction and pathological gambling disorders, as outlined in their responsible gaming policies. They are also obligated to conduct educational campaigns and implement communication strategies to inform users about responsible gambling practices and support services available for those in need.
The Ordinance also addresses advertising, marketing, and sponsorship rules for betting operators. These rules aim to promote responsible gambling and prevent illegal gambling activities. Operators must refrain from advertising unauthorized betting modalities, use clear and socially responsible language, and avoid promoting excessive betting practices or associating gambling with personal success.
Moreover, all communication and marketing actions must include warning clauses about age restrictions and the risks of addiction and pathological gambling disorders. Advertising pieces must also display the authorization number from the Prizes and Bets Secretariat of the Ministry of Finance. Operators must be part of a responsible advertising monitoring body and comply with regulations regarding the promotion of their brands through advertising or sponsorship of national sports teams.
In conclusion, the new rules defined by the SPA aim to promote responsible gaming practices and protect users from the risks associated with gambling activities. By implementing these measures and following the guidelines outlined in the Ordinance, operators can contribute to creating a safer and more transparent gaming environment for their users.