The Spanish Federation of Rehabilitated Gambling Players (FEJAR) has called on the public Administrations to implement "mandatory identification" prior to participating in any type of gambling, both on 'on line' platforms and in physical establishments. The request includes lotteries, instant games known as 'scratches', as well as casinos, bingo halls, gaming halls, betting shops and prize machines located in bars, cafeterias and other hospitality businesses.
"Public policies on gambling must place people's health and well-being at the center of their decisions, above any exclusively economic or revenue-related consideration," explains the technical director, Juan Lamas, on the occasion of the celebration, this Thursday, October 29, of the National Day Without Gambling.
The main objective of this requirement is to verify the legal age of participants and make effective the prohibitions on access to gambling, especially in the case of self-banned people. To this end, FEJAR calls for legal reforms and the development of suitable technological solutions that allow these controls, while guaranteeing the protection of personal data.
"The protection of minors and self-banned people cannot depend on the place or the mode of gambling," defends the Federation, which underscores that prevention is as essential as support for those who already suffer from a gambling problem and require specialized support.
In addition, the entity demands "effective controls and inspections" in authorized gambling and "firm action" against illegal gambling, both 'on line' and in person. To this end, it advocates better coordination between the different administrations and competent authorities, and sees it as essential to increase transparency regarding the inspections carried out, the infringements detected and the sanctions imposed.
The Federation recalls that public policies in this area should not be limited solely to prevention and monitoring compliance with regulations. "They must also guarantee access to specialized treatment, rehabilitation and support for families, regardless of place of residence or economic situation, and recognize the work of associations that care for affected people," it adds.