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Estonia will likely be the next European nation that proposes a blanket prohibition on gambling advertisements.
This follows the agreement last week on a “centrist coalition” government formed by Reform Party, Social Democrats and Eesti 200 Party.
Estonia will be led by Kaja Kallas as Prime Minister. She has stated that the country’s security and defence against Russian threats are of utmost importance.
The Coalition, despite being sanctioned by the EU on Monday has not yet revealed its policy agenda. Estonian media reports that the Coalition’s members are in favor of stricter advertising restrictions for gambling.
Lauri Laanemets, who will be returning to the government as Minister of Interior, is leading the call for a ban on all gambling advertising.
Laanemets stated in an interview that gambling advertising must be curbed to combat gambling addictions. “We know the harm it does to society.” Gambling addiction is a vicious cycle that many people cannot break. “This breaks up families”.
Laanemets, who supports a ban on all sports, acknowledged that there could be conflicts with existing partnerships and stakeholders, such as the Saku Hall in Tallinn being renamed Unibet Arena.
Tonis Ruutel is the director of the Estonian Gaming Operator Association. (EHKL). He said that gambling operators in Estonia were willing to work with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications on modernising advertising laws. He stated that meetings were planned with Kristi Telvingo, the director of Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (which regulates the industry).
