Limits on bonuses and advertising

Spain belongs to the most regulated EU markets: advertising and bonuses in online gambling are limited, and communications with the player are built on the principle of "safety first." The basic framework is laid down by Royal Decree 958/2020 on commercial communications, but in April 2024, the Supreme Court partially lifted key bans - including on "introductory" promotions and the use of public persons, which significantly changed market practice. At the same time, RD 176/2023 on "safe environments" is in effect, strengthening the responsibilities of operators in terms of protecting players.

1) Basic rules: what limits RD 958/2020

Time windows and channels. The decree severely limited the display of advertising (especially in broadcast media) and imposed conditions on digital platforms, social networks and video services in order to minimize the contact of minors with promo gambling.

Sponsorships in sports. For professional sports, strict restrictions were introduced on branding, integration and mention of operators, primarily to protect youth.

Bonuses and promos. Communications focused on attracting new customers (welcome bonuses) were actually prohibited, and any promotions were strictly standardized in format and addressability.

Public persons. The use of celebrities/influencers in advertising was prohibited.

(All of these restrictions are RD 958/2020 "classics" until the 2024 court edits.)

2) What changed the Supreme Court in April 2024

• Art. 13. 1 and 13. 3 - promo/bonuses to attract new customers. Prohibition and related requirements are recognized as invalid. This paved the way for the return of welcome bonuses (within the general rules and RG).
• Art. 15 - ban on public figures in advertising. Cancelled.
• Art. 23. 1 - a general ban on commercial communications in "information society services" (sites/applications). Cancelled.
• Art. 25. 3 - requirements for advertising on video platforms and Art. 26. 2–26. 3 - restrictions for social networks. Cancelled.
• Important: the remaining provisions of the decree are in effect, and the cancellation does not mean "complete freedom" of advertising - operators still have strict obligations to prevent minors and vulnerable groups from contacting promos.

3) Bonuses after 2024: what is possible and what risks

Welcome bonuses returned de facto. After the court decision, operators began to use introductory offers again. The regulator and relevant departments are monitoring the effect: according to the market and ministries, the lifting of the ban led to a noticeable increase in player activity, which provoked a discussion about re-tightening the rules.

Expected adjustments. In 2025, initiatives are being discussed that will partially "re-activate" restrictions (including a possible ban or a strict framework for welcome offers) - keep an eye on new bills/decrees.

Practice of compliant communications. Even with the allowed introductory promos, the requirements for honesty, transparency of conditions, prevention of "aggressive" incentives and targeting (no "backlight" for young people/self-excluded, etc.) remain. These requirements are based not only on RD 958/2020 in active parts, but also on the "safe environments" mode RD 176/2023.

4) Advertising: current principles after partial cancellation

Focus on protecting vulnerable groups. Even with the relaxation of a number of norms, strict requirements remain for targeting, age verification of the audience, warnings/disclaimers, creativity and format of placements.

Media channels. Broadcast windows and sports integrations remain the most sensitive control area; digital channels have gained more flexibility, but are required to weed out minors and comply with labeling and warning requirements.

Public faces and influencers. The formal ban has been lifted, but creative must meet RG standards: no messages masking risks, and no communication aimed at young people.

Tobacco-like warnings. In 2025, tougher wording of warning labels in promos ("strong" anti-adaptive messages) is being discussed and introduced, in the spirit of practices from other countries.

5) "Safe Environments" (RD 176/2023): superstructure duties

• segmentation of player risks (young, intense, with signs of risky behavior);
• proactive interactions (alerts, restrictions, offers of assistance);
• the content of the "Safe Game" section on the sites (structure, informing, day/week limits, etc.).
• This decree is the "second layer" over advertising norms: even if the promo format is acceptable, it must correspond to the safe game frame and triggers for interacting with risk groups.

6) Sports sponsorships: Status and sensitive areas

After 2020, sponsorship was significantly limited, and despite the judicial adjustments of 2024, sports integrations remain the subject of increased attention (including from leagues and clubs). Legitimate practice requires strict audience filtering, no children's equipment/youth teams, and correct geography/exposure.

7) Practical recommendations to operators and affiliates

1. "Default" legal framework. Any advertising and bonuses - through the prism of RD 958/2020 (in existing parts) + RD 176/2023 + self-regulation of the industry.

2. Welcome-offers - with an emphasis on RG. Transparent conditions, audience restrictions (18 + and confirmed verification), intelligible warnings and understandable wagering mechanics.

3. Digital targeting. Age filters, negative segments, whitelists of sites, exclusion of children's content/audiences; logging of impressions and storage of compliance evidence.

4. Creative and tone. Without hints of "easy money," without using school/youth paraphernalia; if influencers participate, only "adult" serve, without "heroizing" the game.

5. Control circuit. Regular audits of creatives/landing pages, tests for the visibility of warnings, checklists for affiliates and a quick "off-switch" mechanism for violations.

8) FAQ

Is it possible to advertise welcome bonuses in Spain again?

After the Supreme Court decision - yes, but in compliance with all general requirements for advertising and protection of players; in parallel, initiatives to re-tighten are being discussed.

Is it allowed to use celebrities/influencers?

The direct ban has been lifted, but the creative must comply with the RG frame and not be focused on youth/vulnerable groups.

What are the key documents now shaping the rules?

RD 958/2020 (including judicial cancellations of individual articles) and RD 176/2023 on "safe environments."

Are there new requirements for warnings in advertising?

Yes, in 2025, tougher "health-warning" messages are being introduced in promo/interfaces, similar to "tobacco" warnings.

The Spanish model remains strict, but since April 2024 it has softened digitally: welcome bonuses and public participation are again possible, and online channels have gained more flexibility. However, the foundation - protecting minors and vulnerable groups - has not gone away: RD 176/2023 has enshrined "safe environments," and any promos, creatives and bonus mechanics must match them. Follow the 2025 updates: the state is actively discussing "dotuning" rules in order to maintain a balance between market and responsibility.