As the Spanish government gears up to introduce yet more restrictions on gambling, licensed operators are preparing to push back against these proposals. Upcoming measures include cross-operator deposit limits and the implementation of a new algorithm mandated by the DGOJ to detect problem gambling. Moreover, the government plans to amend the national gambling law, introducing significant new marketing restrictions in the future.
In light of these developments, the industry body Jdigital has voiced its staunch opposition. In a recent statement, Jdigital declared it would not collaborate with the government or regulator until following the parliamentary elections next year. Their statement emphasized, "In the final phase of the current legislative session, and with no expectation that a reform of this magnitude can complete the legislative process and become law, the work carried out in the coming months must necessarily be viewed with a horizon that extends beyond the current legislative term."
Spanish-licensed operators appear to be pinning their hopes on a return to power of the industry-favorable Partido Popular in the upcoming 2027 elections.
During a recent webinar titled Gaming in Spain, lawyer Xavi Munoz of ECIJA Barcelona pointed out the dissatisfaction among operators regarding these proposed reforms. He reported that operators might consider legal action against the government to challenge the introduction of cross-operator deposit limits.
The implications of these regulatory reforms will be a focal point at the upcoming Gaming in Spain Conference, scheduled for October 15, 2026, in Madrid. Notable attendees include Mikel Arana, General Director of the DGOJ, and Jorge Hinojosa, General Director of Jdigital. The conference is expected to foster significant discussions on the future of Spain's regulated iGaming market.
The agenda for the event includes sessions tackling the escalating threat of the black market, anti-money laundering (AML) measures, fraud prevention, and advancements in products and technologies.
