On Thursday, the government unveiled new advertising regulations for betting operators, which include warnings from the Ministry of Finance regarding the risks associated with gambling. These regulations have yet to be published in the Federal Official Gazette.
The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) expressed its support for the new rules and called for stringent adherence to the regulations. Nonetheless, the association noted that these measures should be paired with enhanced oversight and a concerted effort to eliminate advertising from illegal betting platforms. Such platforms operate without federal authorization, evade tax obligations, and do not adhere to established advertising guidelines.
The ANJL pointed out that these illegal sites do not utilize anti-money laundering mechanisms, neglect to restrict access for minors, and fail to address compulsive gambling issues. These platforms' disregard for the law threatens the integrity of the betting industry, and campaigns that violate regulations undermine the sector's reputation.
To foster a sustainable market, the ANJL argues for clear operational rules that apply universally. By backing the government's initiatives, the association believes this represents progress towards their vision of a well-regulated betting environment.
In its statement, the ANJL affirmed, "The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) supports the Ministry of Finance's new advertising rules and advocates for strict compliance with the regulations, without compromising the operations of companies that function legally and are subject to oversight by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets. "
The association further emphasized that these new initiatives necessitate robust enforcement against illegal platforms, which operate outside of regulatory frameworks, evade taxation, and lack necessary safeguards against money laundering and underage gambling. It concluded with a call to action for regulatory bodies, stating, "The ANJL holds the view that advertising campaigns that do not comply with current regulations harm the sector's image and should be subject to appropriate measures by the competent authorities."
