A recent study carried out by the Federation of Rehabilitated Gamblers and Madrid’s Association of Psychologists have concluded, 1 in 5 teenagers have become addicted to gambling with the figures showing the highest rate in Europe.The age group of teenagers ranged from 14 to 21 years.
Stricter Regulations
The Federation Of Rehabilitated Gamblers and the Association of Psychologists are calling for stricter regulations in relation to advertising around betting establishments deemed as ‘normal’.The Government for Madrid are considering measures around the locality of betting establishments in the vicinity of schools, suggesting at least a 100 metre boundary near schools where betting houses will not be permitted to trade.Sports betting and poker were the two most likely forms of betting amongst teenagers, even though parents of the teens generally placed bets on lottery alone.
Blanket ban On Advertising Gambling
The Government put forward plans to ban gambling advertising, similar to a ban enforced in Italy. At the moment there are no restrictions as to when gambling companies can advertise on TV, or celebrities endorsing them.Thomas Calamardo who runs workshops on the dangers of gambling said,“ They show these ads during the morning children’s slot and all times of the day. And if you have a famous person they admire like Cristiano Ronaldo on the ad the impact is greater.”