In Spain, a number of citizens started a protest against the increasing number of betting shops. They are asking that instead of betting, people should do some other, more decent activities.
Adrian Belaire, the spokesperson of the platform that organized the march, stated that the main goal of the protest was to set off a “constant, daily and committed struggle” to achieve “the end of the betting shops, which are destroying our neighborhoods.”
Many celebrities, especially sportspeople use their image to publicize gambling, a sector that grows very fast on streets and online, a sector that moves huge amounts of money.
The betting market in Spain has grown significantly since 2014. In a period between 2012-2017 online gambling increased by 387%, going from 2.8 billion euros to over 13 billion euros.
The largest protester’s march was held in Madrid, especially in central areas where betting shops are near schools. Protesters requesting for the “total elimination” of this type of business.
“We are not after any kind of regulation. 20 bookmakers are a problem, but one alone is too,” he said.
“These places cannot exist in the city or the neighborhoods because they are always going to be next to leisure centers, primary schools, high schools, libraries or parks,” said Belaire, who said the situation in Madrid was a reflection of a problem that exists throughout the country.”
