Gambling advertising banned from 6am to 11pm - what does this mean for affiliates?

[vamius]

Hi, if a country bans gambling advertising on TV, radio and the internet from 6 am to 11 pm, and also completely bans any mention of bonuses - how does that apply to affiliate websites? If a blog/affiliate site is all about gambling, would one need to shut it down in that period or what? Also, from experience, what will affiliate programs usually do in this situation - do they continue or retreat from that country?

[WebWizard]

Hey Vamius Hope all is good were did you read or saw about this because I never thought about this.
Or its a general question that your asking?

[WebWizard]

Hey Vamius Hope all is good!
Which I know if a country bans gambling advertising from 6 AM to 11 PM and prohibits mentioning bonuses entirely, affiliate websites likely don't need to shut down unless they actively promote ads during restricted hours. And if Sites are offering general gambling content without bonus promotions might remain unaffected, but any bonus-related content will need to be removed. This Affiliate programs may either have to adapt to the new regulations or temporarily withdraw or exit the market altogether depending on how restrictive the environment becomes.

[fortuna]

You're best off getting that information directly from whatever body is regulating advertising in the country you're talking about. If you're lucky they could be referring to advertising like paid ads rather than maintaining an affiliate website. But I would not rely on getting that info from a third-party here. As for affiliate programs, those will base their decision on how lucrative the market is and how much the regulations actually impact them. If online is entirely restricted between 6am and 11pm and they are liable to any extent for enforcing the conduct of affiliates then I don't see most sticking around.

[NoDepositCasinos]

I don't really see any way to comply with such a thing other than shutting down the business or relocating it elsewhere. Of course, there are adjustments you could make, like limiting paid advertisement if you have it, but disappearing entirely during certain hours and not mentioning bonuses at all doesn't make sense to me.

Is this a hypothetical worst-case scenario, or is it a reform that has been implemented or is being considered? If it's a reform, please share it. I'm sure others would also appreciate the insight and might be able to offer more helpful opinions.

[vamius]

This law was presented in the Croatian parliament today and everyone supported it, so it will be implemented soon, probably on 1.1.2025. They said that this is a common practice in other EU countries so I thought this kind of restriction already exist in other countries?

I asked ChatGPT and this is what it said:

Some European Union countries have strict regulations that limit or ban the advertising of gambling, including restrictions on the time of day when such ads can be aired. Here are a few examples:

1. Spain:
   
   • Spain introduced strict regulations on gambling advertising in 2021. Advertising of gambling is only allowed between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Additionally, gambling ads are prohibited during live sports broadcasts, and celebrities are not allowed to participate in gambling ad campaigns.
   
   
2. Italy:
   
   • Italy has some of the strictest gambling advertising laws in Europe. The "Decreto Dignità" law, introduced in 2019, virtually bans all forms of gambling advertising, including online ads and sports sponsorships. This ban applies across all media, including TV, radio, internet, and other platforms.
   
   
3. Belgium:
   
   • Belgium has imposed strict rules on gambling ads, including time restrictions. TV ads for gambling are only allowed after 8:00 PM, and there is a ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts. Additionally, there are specific restrictions aimed at protecting vulnerable groups, such as minors and individuals with gambling problems.
   
   
4. United Kingdom (although no longer part of the EU, it has set important precedents):
   
   • In the UK, gambling ads are allowed but regulated. Gambling ads are not permitted before 9:00 PM, except during live sports broadcasts. There are also tighter rules to reduce the visibility of gambling ads during those broadcasts.

Several European Union countries impose strict regulations on how gambling bonuses (such as sign-up bonuses, free spins, or matching deposits) can be advertised. These restrictions are part of broader efforts to protect consumers from excessive gambling and to ensure that bonuses are not misleading or overly tempting. Below are some examples of restrictions on advertising gambling bonuses:

1. United Kingdom:
   
   • In the UK, the Gambling Commission has strict guidelines on how bonuses can be advertised. Any mention of a bonus must clearly outline the terms and conditions, including wagering requirements, time limits, and any restrictions on withdrawals. Misleading offers, such as promising a "free" bonus when it requires a deposit, are banned. Additionally, promotions must not target vulnerable individuals, and advertising must avoid creating a sense of urgency to claim bonuses (e.g., "hurry, only available today").
   
   
2. Spain:
   
   • Under Spain’s gambling regulations, bonuses can only be advertised to registered and verified users who have been customers for at least 30 days. Publicly advertising bonuses to attract new players (such as sign-up bonuses) is prohibited. Additionally, bonuses cannot be promoted through mass media channels, including TV, radio, or internet ads, which target the general public.
   
   
3. Italy:
   
   • Italy’s "Decreto Dignità" law not only bans general gambling advertising but also prohibits any mention of bonuses. This includes all forms of gambling promotions, such as sign-up bonuses or free bets, to protect consumers from being lured by these offers.
   
   
4. Belgium:
   
   • In Belgium, there are specific restrictions on how bonuses can be promoted. Advertising must not emphasize the potential financial benefits of gambling, and any mention of bonuses must include clear information on terms and conditions. For example, it’s mandatory to clearly communicate wagering requirements and other limitations to ensure that consumers fully understand the conditions tied to the bonus.
   
   
5. Sweden:
   
   • In Sweden, bonus offers are heavily regulated. Licensed gambling operators can only offer a bonus to players the first time they sign up. Any additional bonuses, promotions, or loyalty rewards are prohibited. This is intended to prevent players from being incentivized to gamble more than they otherwise would.
   
   
6. Germany:
   
   • Germany’s new State Treaty on Gambling (2021) imposes restrictions on how bonuses can be advertised. Bonuses must not exceed certain amounts, and any promotion of bonuses must include full transparency about the terms, especially regarding wagering requirements and conditions for withdrawing winnings from bonuses.

[Sherlock]

They said that this is a common practice in other EU countries

It is a common practice in EU countries to say, that some stupidity that politicians want, is a common practice in other EU countries. Alternatively that it is a demand from Brussels.

I will not care about restricting HR traffic. Alternatively I will place a popup made of Liberland flag on website saying, that by using the website the user agrees that it is 2:37 AM and that the user goes to sleep before the rooster crows.