Spain's licensed online gambling operators are now mandated to ensure that the individual holding a gaming account is the same person who owns the payment method used for deposits and withdrawals. This requirement, part of Royal Decree 813/2026, came into effect on Wednesday following its publication on October 8 by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business. The decree revises 11 existing royal decrees related to the financial sector, specifically addressing identity verification regulations in Spain's anti-money laundering framework.
This new guideline requires more than just a verified gaming account; it necessitates that each card, bank account, or payment gateway used must be matched to the player's identity.
Operators and players have a six-month period to comply with these changes. According to the news agency EFE, while the regulations are immediately applicable to new accounts, current customers are given until April 28, 2027, to meet the requirements. Until those checks are complete, existing players can continue to deposit and engage in gaming activities but will be unable to withdraw any winnings. If an identity verification match is not confirmed by the deadline, operators will be required to close the account, notify the DGOJ, and refund the full balance, including any withheld winnings.
This regulatory change aims to combat identity impersonation, a concern reflected in a reported 12% increase in complaints in 2025, leading to a total of 8,675 grievances.
For operators, the immediate challenge lies in enhancing their technical infrastructure. They must implement reliable methods to verify the ownership of every card, bank account, and e-wallet linked to player transactions. Operators will also need to address their existing user base, specifically helping those who may have been using a partner's or family member’s payment method transition to one in their own name before they can access their funds.
The process of verifying identities before permitting withdrawals is anticipated to create complications. Delaying withdrawals until verifications are complete might result in increased complaints and support queries during a time when players are eager to access their money.
Operators are also facing the challenge of navigating these new regulations without substantial guidance. Jdigital, an online gambling association, has requested that the authorities issue a detailed interpretive guide to enhance clarity and legal certainty, according to reports from Sector del Juego.
The urgency of these changes is heightened by the impending national deposit limits set to launch in March 2027, which will restrict spending across all operators to €700 a day. Furthermore, this decree extends a requirement previously suggested by the DGOJ, which mandated that only at-risk players use payment methods registered in their names. Now, this requirement applies to all players.
