Sportsbook operators in Spain took a beating in 2020 thanks to the combination of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, and the nation’s gambling regulator and Ministry for Consumer Affairs clamping down on the industry’s main source of customer acquisition and brand recognition.

The number of restrictions announced on marketing for gambling were such that by the end of this year they will result in a de facto ban on gambling advertising across almost all channels.

Though the initial draft regulations published by the Spanish government last February seemed to be less damaging for sports betting than other verticals, by the end of last year it had become clear that there was to be no special treatment for sportsbooks.